A 19-year-old college student accused of setting two Tesla Cybertrucks ablaze in Missouri has been released from federal custody after his attorney argued that detention would disrupt his ongoing gender-affirming medical treatment. OWEN MCINTIRE, a University of Massachusetts physics student, was ordered into home detention at his parents’ Missouri residence by a federal court in Massachusetts this week. He is scheduled to appear in court on Thursday to address the charges against him.
McIntire was arrested in Massachusetts last month following the alleged arson on March 17, during which he reportedly used a homemade incendiary device to ignite the two Tesla vehicles. He faces federal charges of unlawful possession of an unregistered destructive device and malicious damage to property by fire.
**TESLA VEHICLES, CHARGING STATIONS TARGETED AS PROTESTERS DENOUNCE DOGE, ELON MUSK**
In a court filing on April 23, McIntire’s federal public defender highlighted his client’s medical and mental health needs, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, depression, and gender dysphoria. The filing emphasized that McIntire’s gender-affirming care, which began in March 2024, could be interrupted or terminated if he remained in pretrial detention, posing a significant risk to his well-being.
The prosecution suggested the attack may have had political motivations, though this remains speculative. McIntire, who trained in ballet from ages 8 to 15, reportedly left the activity after being diagnosed with depression, which he now manages with medication and therapy.
**FBI INVESTIGATING AFTER WASHINGTON TESLA CHARGING STATION DAMAGED FOLLOWING ‘LOUD NOISE’**
Authorities, including agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), recovered and analyzed evidence from the scene, including Molotov cocktails allegedly used in the arson. Video footage reportedly shows a person believed to be McIntire wearing a large hat, lighting the devices, and throwing them at the Cybertrucks before leaving the scene.
The fire also damaged two Tesla charging stations, each valued at approximately $550.
Fox News Digital has reached out to McIntire’s attorney for further comment.
**Sources:**
[Fox News](https://www.foxnews.com)
[ATF Investigation Details](https://www.atf.gov)