Man struck by car as Tesla protest in Meridian turns violent

On Saturday afternoon in Meridian, Idaho, a protest outside a Tesla dealership escalated when one protester allegedly struck a counterprotester with their vehicle. The incident occurred around 1 p.m. on Franklin Road, where tensions flared between opposing groups.

According to the Meridian Police Department, the altercation began when 70-year-old Christopher Talbot made an "obscene gesture" towards a 49-year-old individual who had just parked his truck adorned with pro-Trump flags. Following the gesture, Talbot collided with the victim as he exited his vehicle.

After the incident, the 49-year-old sought medical attention at a nearby hospital for injuries that were not life-threatening. He managed to record Talbot's license plate number, providing crucial information to the responding officers.

Police were able to arrest Talbot at his home without any further incident. He was subsequently taken to the Ada County Jail and charged with Aggravated Battery.

This event highlights the potential for protests to turn confrontational, raising concerns about public safety during politically charged gatherings.