Michael Lynn Cooper, 55, of Ontario, Calif., was charged with multiple felony counts of insurance fraud and grand theft after allegedly misrepresenting the facts of a collision to his insurance company to receive a payout after he was street racing.
Cooper reported an automobile collision to his insurance company in April claiming his 2016 Dodge Challenger was sideswiped when another vehicle was trying to race him. The collision reportedly caused him to lose control and hit a building resulting in debris damage to two other vehicles. Cooper’s insurer paid $35,321 for his claim.
In May, Cooper’s insurance company referred the case to the California Department of Insurance after receiving video showing what appeared to be Cooper street racing before the collision.
A CDI investigation, with assistance from the Ontario Police Department, resulted in charges against Cooper for street racing and driving over 100 mph prior to the collision. Street racing is an exclusion of coverage under his insurance policy. The alleged fraud resulted in a $35,321 loss to the insurance company.
Cooper is also being charged with vehicle code violations for street racing and giving false statements to a peace officer.
Cooper self-surrendered on Oct. 28, and was booked at the West Valley Detention Center where he remains in custody. The San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office’s auto insurance fraud unit is prosecuting this case.
Topics California Auto Fraud
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