Tesla Footage Exposes False Carjacking Account After Houston Crash

Deputies responded to an address in the 1800 section of Laurel Valley Drive shortly after 3 a.m. on October 24, after a blue Audi struck a parked Tesla and left. The Tesla’s owner provided onboard-camera video capturing the impact and the people inside the Audi departing, authorities said.

Kenyarda Mesh Leavell and Portia Ellis later told investigators that an armed man had entered their car, threatened them and caused the crash. Ellis subsequently acknowledged the account was fabricated, investigators said. Authorities said the women made up the story to avoid a possible driving-while-intoxicated arrest.

Deputies arrested the women at an Airbnb near the crash site. Both were charged with making a false report to police; Leavell also faces a charge of failing to stop and provide information after a crash. The constable’s office reported that each charge carried a $100 bond.

The Tesla owner, Johnny Tran, said the car was no longer drivable. He told a local television station that the crash bent its rear axle and caused significant damage, and that he was working with his insurer to determine whether Leavell had insurance. Tran said the car’s security-camera system alerted him to the collision.