55-year old Michael Lynn Cooper was involved in an automobile accident on April of 2020.
Right before the collision Cooper reported someone trying to race with him sideswiped his 2016 Dodge Challenger. This caused him to lose control and hit a building. The debris from that hit damaged two other vehicles. Cooper’s insurance paid $35,321 as a result.
Shortly after, Cooper’s insurance company received video showing Cooper racing before the crash. The case was referred to the Department of Insurance by Cooper’s insurance in May.
With the assistance of the Ontario Police Department, the Department of Insurance discovered Cooper reached speeds of over 100 mph as he street raced before the collision. Street racing would make Cooper’s claim invalid.
Cooper was charged with street racing and giving false statements to a peace officer. In addition, Cooper was charged with multiple felony counts of insurance fraud and grand theft since his false claims resulted in an underserved payout.
Cooper turned himself in on October 28, 2020 and was booked into the West Valley Detention Center where he awaits prosecution by the San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office – Automobile Insurance Fraud Unit.
