MERIDIAN, Idaho — A confrontation between individuals during a protest outside a Tesla dealership in Meridian escalated into violence on Saturday afternoon, resulting in one person being injured and another taken into custody.
At approximately 1 p.m., an incident occurred near the dealership on Franklin Road. According to the Meridian Police Department, 70-year-old Christopher Talbot of Meridian allegedly made an obscene gesture toward a 49-year-old man before striking him with his vehicle.
The 49-year-old had just exited his truck, which displayed pro-Donald Trump flags, when the collision took place. After the incident, the injured individual transported himself to a local hospital and was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Authorities said the victim was able to record the suspect’s license plate, which led to Talbot’s arrest at his home. He was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Ada County Jail. Talbot faces one count of aggravated battery.
The investigation remains ongoing, and police have not released further details about the motive or circumstances leading up to the event.
