Workplace clash preceded fatal shooting in Tesla parking lot, police say

One Tesla worker is dead, and another has been arrested following a shooting Monday afternoon in Fremont, police said Tuesday.

Fremont firefighters were sent at 3:26 p.m. on Monday to Tesla at 45500 Fremont Blvd. for a medical call.

What they found was a man they suspect was the victim of a crime, according to police. He was pronounced dead there.

Police officers also responded and located several expended bullet casings nearby. Homicide detectives took over the investigation and learned that the victim had just left work at the factory before he was shot, police said.

He was shot in the parking lot as he was leaving. Police said they arrested 29-year-old Milpitas resident Anthony Solima for allegedly killing his co-worker.

Apparently, Solima and the victim were arguing earlier in the day and Solima suddenly quit, according to police.

Officers located Solima in Milpitas at 8:42 p.m. Monday. Detectives obtained arrest and search warrants for Solima and his vehicle at 11:16 p.m. and he was arrested without trouble.

Officers allegedly found in Solima’s vehicle a short-barrel rifle of the same caliber as the bullet casings they found in the Tesla parking lot. The rifle was loaded, police said.

Solima was taken to Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. He’s being held without bail and is scheduled for arraignment Thursday afternoon at the East County Hall of Justice.

The victim’s identity is not being released yet by police, Fremont police Capt. Fred Bobbitt said.

Police said they have no other suspects, and the public can feel safe.

Anyone with information about the shooting or who recognizes Solima from Monday is asked to call (510) 790-6900 or email Detective Gebhardt at mgebhardt@fremont.gov.

Anonymous tips can be sent to police by texting Tip Fremont PD followed by a short message to 888777.