Usually when we see TeslaCam or Sentry Mode footage shared online, it is because it has captured an accident, someone vandalizing the Tesla, or a thief attempting to break into the car.
It turns out the multiple cameras on a Tesla are also good for preventing insurance scams and proving someone is lying about being hit by the car.
The incident took place last week in Slidell, Louisiana. At about 4:00pm on Friday, September 3 police officers were called to a gas station after a pedestrian called 911 to report being hit by a Tesla “in a busy gas station parking lot.”
According to the Slidell Police Department, 47-year old Arthur Bates alleged a “Tesla backed into him, causing him to fall to the pavement, and that the driver then fled the scene.” As a result, an ambulance and fire truck were called to deal with his reported injuries – back, leg, and neck pain.
Taking the report seriously, officers were able to track down the owner of the Tesla, who told a different version of events. The owner said Bates intentionally jumped behind his car and staged the “accident.”
Fortunately the owner saved the TeslaCam footage and played it for the attending officers. In it we see Bates walk up behind the Tesla, which reverses slightly and then comes to a stop. It is at that moment when Bates jumps behind the Tesla and falls to the ground, seemingly screaming in pain.
The owner of the Tesla then appears in the frame, swiftly removing Bates’ foot from his bumper before having a few choice words and pulling off.
After viewing the footage in the car, police were immediately able to confirm the Tesla owner’s version of the story.
When confronted with video evidence of his misdeed, Bates admitted to staging the whole thing. He was arrested for filing a false police report.
You can check out Bates’ Oscar-worthy performance below.
