Student arrested for stealing party host’s phone, using it to take his Tesla, and crashing the Tesla

Staff report

GAINESVILLE, Fla. – Zahara Ashye Shekarri, 18, was arrested early this morning for allegedly taking a phone from the host of a party, using it to steal a Tesla, and crashing the Tesla into another car.

A Gainesville Police Department officer reported that at about 6:48 p.m. on September 7, Shekarri was attending a social gathering when the host gave her his phone to play music through a Bluetooth speaker. Shekarri allegedly took the phone and then left the residence and used the phone to unlock the host’s Tesla, which was parked outside.

Shekarri allegedly drove the vehicle for about 20 minutes and sideswiped a blue Dodge Charger during the drive; Shekarri allegedly did not stop after the crash, and she eventually drove the Tesla back to the host’s residence.

The officer reported that the Tesla had severe paint damage along the entire length of the passenger side, and cameras from the Tesla reportedly showed Shekarri colliding with the blue Charger and then parking the Tesla and getting out, holding an alcoholic beverage in her hand. She reportedly gave the phone back to the host and then left; he called the police after discovering the damage to the Tesla.

Post Miranda, Shekarri reportedly confirmed that she was given the phone to play music, but instead she took the Tesla to get to her residence; she reportedly admitted to colliding with another vehicle before returning the Tesla.

Shekarri, who told Court Services she is a UF student, has been charged with grand theft of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of a crash with property damage. She has no criminal history, and Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $20,000 but ordered that she could be released on her own recognizance after being screened for day reporting. Judge Miller-Jones also ordered a curfew between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m.

Articles about arrests are based on reports from law enforcement agencies. The charges listed are taken from the arrest report and/or court records and are only accusations. All suspects are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.