On December 10 and December 13, 2025, deputies from the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station responded to several businesses in Rancho Mirage and Palm Desert after reports of stolen Tesla electric vehicle charging units. Following an investigation, authorities identified Seth Steven Lopez, a 40-year-old resident of Palm Desert, as the suspect.
On December 31, 2025, Lopez was located by deputies from the Rancho Mirage Special Enforcement Team, Palm Desert Business District Team, and Robbery Burglary Suppression Team in the area of Bob Hope Drive and Sunrise Drive in Rancho Mirage. He was taken into custody without incident. Deputies later served a search warrant at a residence on Orange Blossom Lane in Palm Desert as part of the investigation. Lopez was arrested and booked at the John Benoit Detention Center on multiple counts of grand theft and petty theft.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office issued a reminder to business owners with electric vehicle charging stations to take preventive measures against theft. “The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office would like to remind business owners with electric vehicle charging stations to implement safety and theft deterrent measures, such as installation of properly functioning security cameras, adequate lighting, protective enclosures, alarm systems, and to ensure installation is done by a qualified person.”
Community members who believe they may have been affected or have information about this case are encouraged to contact Deputy Cazee or Deputy Hindiyeh at the Palm Desert Sheriff’s Station at (760) 836-1600.
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