Calgary police have laid arson charges against a local man accused of deliberately setting two Tesla electric vehicles ablaze in separate incidents last March. The suspect, identified as 38-year-old Kurt Mayville, is now facing two counts of arson.
Two Targeted Tesla Fires in Two Nights
The first fire occurred on March 18 at approximately 9:30 p.m. at a Tesla charging station located at 314 12 Avenue S.E. The owner of a white 2023 Tesla Model Y had parked and plugged in her vehicle. Less than two hours later, she received a notification that charging had stopped. Looking out her apartment window, she discovered her Tesla was engulfed in flames.
The owner immediately called 911, and Calgary Fire Department crews extinguished the blaze. Following an investigation, police determined the fire was intentionally set using an accelerant.
A Second Attack on a Cybertruck
The very next evening, at around 9:50 p.m. on March 19, emergency responders were called to a Tesla storage lot on Fairmount Drive S.E. There, they found a grey 2025 Tesla Cybertruck on fire. Investigators quickly concluded this fire was also the result of a deliberate act involving an accelerant, linking the method to the previous night's incident.
DNA Evidence and Public Help Lead to Arrest
Calgary Police Service arson investigators launched a detailed probe, collecting witness statements and reviewing CCTV footage from the areas. They also issued a public appeal for information to help identify a suspect.
The breakthrough came when tips from the public directed investigators toward a suspect. Forensic analysis later confirmed the presence of the suspect's DNA at one of the fire scenes, providing crucial physical evidence.
Based on the investigation, police charged Kurt Mayville of Calgary with two counts of arson. He is scheduled to make his next court appearance on January 12.
Police continue to ask anyone with information about these incidents to contact them at 403-266-1234. Anonymous tips can be submitted to Calgary Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477, online, or via the P3Tips app.
