FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Saturday, March 29th, 2025
CONTACT: Jordan Robinson, Public Safety PIO 208-846-7360 or jrobinson@meridiancity.org
Meridian Man Arrested for Aggravated Battery at Tesla Protest
MERIDIAN- The Meridian Police Department is investigating an incident that occurred around 1:00 p.m. at the Tesla dealership on Franklin Road.
The preliminary investigation determined that 70-year-old Christopher TALBOT of Meridian made an obscene gesture toward a 49-year-old victim before hitting him with his car. Reports indicate the victim had been driving a truck with pro-Trump flags and had just parked and exited his vehicle when TALBOT stuck him with his car. The victim drove himself to a local hospital, where he was treated and released for non-life-threatening injuries. The victim was able to record TALBOT’s license plate, leading officers to his residence in Meridian.
At the time of the incident, a protest was taking place at the Tesla dealership, with approximately 30 protesters and an estimated 200 counter-protesters in attendance. The victim was identified as a counter-protester at the event.
TALBOT was arrested without further incident and booked into the Ada County Jail on one count of Aggravated Battery.
The Meridian Police Department reminds people to respect everyone’s right to protest and express their 1st Amendment Rights without resorting to violence.
If you have any information which may assist with this investigation please contact Ada County Dispatch at (208) 377-6790.
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The Meridian Police Department’s mission is to provide the highest quality service in partnership with the community to preserve and protect life and property through education, prevention and enforcement. The department has 151 police officers, and 46 non-sworn staff dedicated to making Meridian a great place to live, work and raise a family
