Daniel Clarke-Pounder, a 24-year-old resident of James Island, has been arrested in connection with an arson incident at a Tesla charging station in North Charleston. The incident occurred on March 7, when the North Charleston Police Department and Fire Department responded to reports of arson at the site located on Tanger Outlet Boulevard.
According to the complaint, witnesses observed a man spray painting messages including “F*ck Trump” and “Long Live Ukraine” in red paint at the charging station. The individual then allegedly used five Molotov cocktails to damage the Tesla chargers. The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) led an investigation that identified Clarke-Pounder as the suspect. He was subsequently arrested and arraigned in federal court.
Acting U.S. Attorney Brook B. Andrews for the District of South Carolina commented on the case: "While we will defend the public’s right to peaceful protest, we will not hesitate to act when protest crosses the line into violence and mayhem. These kinds of attacks have no place in our community.” Andrews expressed gratitude for the swift response from first responders and law enforcement agencies involved.
Special Agent in Charge Bennie Mims praised the collaborative efforts between ATF agents and local authorities: “We’re very proud of the response from our Special Agents and the collaborative effort on this investigation between ATF, the North Charleston Police Department, and the North Charleston Fire Department.” Mims highlighted that Certified Fire Investigators played a crucial role in identifying evidence leading to Clarke-Pounder's arrest.
Clarke-Pounder is facing charges that could result in a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison if convicted. He remains detained pending further legal proceedings scheduled for March 17 before U.S. Magistrate Judge Mary Gordon Baker.
The investigation was conducted by multiple agencies including ATF, North Charleston Police Department, and North Charleston Fire Department. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Cole Shannon and Everett McMillian are handling prosecution duties for this case.
It is important to note that all charges against Clarke-Pounder are accusations at this stage; he is presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in court.
