September 13, 2026 – Yuba City Police Department officials report that a string of thefts targeting Tesla charging stations has led to the arrest of three Yuba City residents following an investigation by the Yuba City Police Department.
On September 4, officers took a report of nine Tesla charging cords being cut and stolen from the charging station at New Earth, located at 1475 Tharp Road. Each cord contained multiple lines of insulated copper and was valued at approximately $400, resulting in an estimated loss of $3,600.
Unfortunately, this wasn't the first time. On August 31, four additional charging cords had been cut and stolen from the same location.
Investigators reviewed surveillance footage and spotted two suspects wearing hoodies in the area before getting into a Subaru Outback. Using surveillance footage and FLOCK Safety cameras, officers were able to identify the suspect vehicle and later locate it at a residence in Yuba City.
Officers subsequently stopped the vehicle and discovered a large amount of stripped copper inside.
The investigation resulted in the arrests of:
- Krystal Hardaway, 54, of Yuba City
- Jason Anderson, 51, of Yuba City
- Erik Acord, 32, of Yuba City
All three were booked into the Sutter County Jail on charges related to grand theft, theft with prior theft convictions, vandalism causing $400 or more in damage, and conspiracy to commit a crime.
This case is a great example of how good police work, surveillance technology, and teamwork can turn a theft investigation into arrests. Officers followed the evidence from the crime scene, through surveillance footage, to the suspect vehicle—and ultimately recovered evidence connecting the suspects to the theft.
Source & photos: Yuba City Police Department