Angry Driver Shoots at a Tesla Model 3 but Fails Thanks to a Window Motor
The Tesla Model 3 is by no means bulletproof. However, the EV featured in this latest bizarre video saved its driver from a violent road rage incident. In the video posted by Wham Baam Teslacam to YouTube, we see an unidentified man in an SUV pull up alongside the Tesla and open fire.
Fortunately for this Tesla owner, the positioning of the car’s window motor caught two of four shots fired. What makes this story extremely strange is that it seemingly happened for no reason.
How did this Tesla Model 3 shooting start out?
Thanks to the Tesla Model 3 and its eight cameras, we can see this incident from various angles. As a result, we know exactly what transpired before the shooting and what might have caused it.
The video opens up with the Tesla Model 3 rolling down a highway in Nashville, Tennessee. We first see the GMC Envoy in the right lane as the EV overtakes on the left. It is worth noting that the Tesla overtakes in a completely reasonable manner and is not speeding or driving aggressively. Eventually, the SUV fades into the background as the EV continues driving in the center lane.
A few miles later, the Tesla Model 3 moved over to the right lane to potentially take an upcoming exit. At this point, the SUV pulls up alongside in the center lane. From there, we see the SUV’s passenger window slowly come down, revealing a person holding a handgun. The person in the SUV pulls the trigger four times, striking the Tesla repeatedly.
The Tesla’s window motor saved the day
Once the Tesla Model 3 driver realized shots came from the SUV, they immediately took the next exit to get off the highway. Surprisingly, the driver in the EV managed to maintain their calm while taking the off-ramp. Thanks to Wham Baam Teslacam on YouTube, we have close up photos of the incident.
The photo above shows where all four of the shots hit the Tesla Model 3. The first two went into the driver’s door. Above all else, this shows the SUV driver was looking to cause some serious damage. Thankfully, the EV’s window motor managed to stop both of the bullets that appear to have entered through the same hole in the front door. As a result, the Tesla owner did not suffer any injuries.
The next two bullets went into the Tesla Model 3’s rear door. According to Wham Baam Teslacam, one of the bullets in the back door was stopped by another component inside the door. However, the final shot managed to make its way into the cabin. Fortunately, that last bullet got stuck in the rear seat and did not cause the driver any harm.
Did they catch the shooter?
Unfortunately, this Tesla Model 3 shooting story does not have a satisfying ending. According to Wham Baam Teslacam, the EV owner showed the various video clips to the police. Since there was plenty of glare in the video, the police weren’t able to make out the license plate of the SUV. For now, we all know is that it is a second-gen GMC Envoy produced between 2002 and 2009.
Thankfully, users on Reddit enhanced the video posted above to the point where you can clearly read the license plate. Wham Baam Teslacam reports that the authorities have been notified, but no one has been arrested as of writing.
