Suspected Missouri Tesla Firebomber Released Until Trial

Investigators believe Owen McIntire, who lives in Parkville, Missouri, but attends college in Boston, used a Molotov cocktail to set fire to a Kansas City Tesla dealership in March. The fire damaged two Tesla Cybertrucks, but no one was injured.

A federal judge agreed to release McIntire from custody last week.

According to federal court documents, McIntire’s attorney argued he should be released citing “serious and ongoing” medical needs and treatments that McIntire’s attorney believed could not or would not be provided while in federal detention.

The defense filing says McIntire is undergoing treatment for depression, and is receiving gender affirming care that began in March of this year — and that care would likely be interrupted or terminated in federal custody.

McIntire’s attorney also cited his client’s lack of a criminal history and deep ties to the Kansas City area community as reasons he would not be a flight risk.

Greg Watt, a former prosecutor and current state and federal defense attorney says this isn’t out of the ordinary.

Watt emphasizes the fact that federal courts are way more equipped to handle suspects out on bond, due to having access to more resources and fewer cases than, say, state courts.

“This is not entirely out of the question. Could someone make the argument that it’s unique? Maybe, but I’ve seen this before,” Watt said.

Among the conditions of his release, McIntire must live with his parents, participate in a mental health program and take prescribed medication, and avoid all Tesla dealerships.

He faces one count of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and one count of malicious damage by fire of any property used in interstate commerce.

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