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On December 9th an investigation by the Department of Insurance led to the arrest of Kenneth McDaniel (32). He is faces charges for alleged felony insurance fraud as well as alleged felony assault with a deadly weapon.
On July 30, 2022 CHP notified the Department of Insurance of a suspected insurance fraud claim. The CHP Officers reported the claim after responding to a motor vehicle incident involving McDaniel and an unspecified victim.
The victim was getting onto the 405 Freeway when McDaniel crossed the area between the lane and the freeway entrance. As the victim got onto the freeway McDaniel’s Dodge Ram truck got behind them. McDaniel then passed the victims vehicle, and then merged back in front of the victim’s vehicle, he then slammed on his breaks abruptly which caused the collision. Luckily the victim had both front and back cameras installed on their vehicle and was able to record the entire incident. The recording showed no reason for McDaniel to stop his vehicle.
The victim was treated for soft tissue damage from injuries sustained during the collision and their car was totaled in the amount of $25,062.
McDaniel is being held at the West Hollywood Sheriff’s station and bail is set at $30,000.
This common fraud maneuver is called a swoop and squat. It makes it so the victim cannot avoid the collision as they are trapped in their lane with nowhere to go. These schemes are very dangerous for anyone on the road as well as for the parties involved. If anyone has experienced an incident like this or wants to report an auto fraud claim please contact the Department of Insurance at 800-927-4357.
Written By: Patrice Spears
