DHS Tesla‑keying worker was 'on break' or 'out sick' during some vandalism incidents, records show

📊 Relevant Data

In Hennepin County, White youth have a 68% success rate in pre-charge diversion programs, compared to 53% for Black youth and 30% for American Indian youth, based on data from 2021-2023.

Reimagining Youth Justice in Hennepin County: Modeling the Possible — Hennepin County Attorney's Office

Minnesota statute allows for up to 5 years imprisonment and a $10,000 fine for first-degree criminal damage to property when damage exceeds $1,000.

Sec. 609.595 MN Statutes — Minnesota Office of the Revisor of Statutes

In Hennepin County, Black/African American individuals are disproportionately represented in the justice system, with a racial disproportionality index of 4.6 at the arrest stage compared to their population percentage.

Disparity Reduction Efforts — Hennepin County Attorney's Office

Minneapolis's violent crime rate increased from 222 to 311 per 100,000 residents between 2019 and 2021, a 42% rise.

Official crime rates and feelings of safety: Do they line up? — Minnesota Compass

Hennepin County's population is approximately 67% White, with Black residents making up about 14%, Asian 8%, and Hispanic/Latino 7%.

CCA 2024-25 Comprehensive Plan — Hennepin County

💬 Social Media Perspectives

Journalist @seth_kaplan reports that Minnesota state employee Dylan Adams, who caused $20,000 in damage by keying six Teslas, received only a one-day suspension from the Department of Human Services.
@AlphaNews details that time-and-attendance records indicate the worker was on a break or out sick during some vandalism incidents, yet he still committed the acts, adding irony to the lenient one-day suspension.
As cited by @AlphaNews, Minnesota House Republican Leader Harry Niska argues that the mild discipline demonstrates protection for certain state employees under Gov. Walz and Minnesota Democrats.
@SNienow sarcastically points out that the vandal completed a self-reflection assessment, highlighting what he sees as insufficient accountability for the $20,000 in damages.
@MrAndyNgo notes that the DHS employee avoids felony charges through a diversion program, describing it as a favorable arrangement despite the significant property damage.

Based on 2 sources

📌 Key Facts

The employee worked for the Minnesota Department of Human Services (DHS) and was identified in reports as responsible for vandalizing Teslas (keying) in Minneapolis.
Time-and-attendance records show the DHS employee was recorded as 'on a break' or 'out sick' during some of the Tesla-keying incidents.
The reporting includes specific dates and times where the employee's recorded work status overlapped with, or was adjusted around, the vandalism incidents.
Despite those attendance discrepancies and the vandalism, DHS imposed only a one-day suspension on the employee.
The Hennepin County Attorney placed the employee in a diversion program rather than filing felony charges.

📰 Source Timeline (2)

Follow how coverage of this story developed over time

March 05, 2026

9:09 PM

State employee who vandalized Teslas suspended for 1 day, was ‘on a break’ or ‘out sick’ during some incidents

Alphanews by Jenna Gloeb

New information:

Time‑and‑attendance records show the DHS employee was recorded as 'on a break' or 'out sick' during some of the Tesla‑keying incidents in Minneapolis.
The article details specific dates and times where his work status overlapped with, or was adjusted around, the vandalism incidents.
It reinforces that despite those discrepancies, DHS limited discipline to a one‑day suspension while the Hennepin County Attorney placed him in diversion rather than filing felony charges.

6:23 PM

MN state employee who keyed Teslas, causing $20K damage, punished with 1-day suspension

FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul by [email protected] (Howard Thompson)