Staff report
GAINESVILLE, Fla. – An 18-year-old woman was taken into custody early this morning after police said she took a party host’s phone, used it to access his Tesla, drove away in the vehicle, and later crashed into another car.
According to a Gainesville Police Department officer, Zahara Ashye Shekarri was at a social gathering around 6:48 p.m. on September 7 when the host handed her his phone so she could play music over a Bluetooth speaker. Investigators allege Shekarri left the home with the phone and used it to unlock the host’s Tesla, which was parked outside.
Police said Shekarri drove the Tesla for roughly 20 minutes and, during that time, sideswiped a blue Dodge Charger. She allegedly did not remain at the scene after the collision and later returned the Tesla to the host’s residence.
The responding officer reported extensive paint damage running along the passenger side of the Tesla. Footage from the vehicle’s cameras reportedly showed Shekarri hitting the blue Charger, then returning to park the Tesla and stepping out while holding an alcoholic beverage. Police said she gave the phone back to the host and left the area; the host contacted law enforcement after noticing the damage to the car.
After being read her Miranda rights, Shekarri reportedly acknowledged that the host had given her the phone to play music, but said she instead used it to take the Tesla so she could go to her residence. She also reportedly admitted that she struck another vehicle before bringing the Tesla back.
Shekarri, who told Court Services she is a University of Florida student, is facing charges of grand theft of a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of a crash involving property damage. Court records indicate she has no prior criminal history. Judge Susan Miller-Jones set bail at $20,000, while also ordering that Shekarri may be released on her own recognizance after being screened for day reporting. The judge also imposed a curfew from 7 p.m. to 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.
