Last Updated on October 30, 2020 by CCAR Staff
An Ontario resident was charged with insurance fraud and other crimes after he received a payout from a claim that failed to disclose that he had been street racing at more than 100 mph before he crashed, the state Department of Insurance said.
Michael Lynn Cooper, 55, was charged by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office on Oct. 19 with speed racing, driving faster than 100 mph, filing a false police report, grand theft, filing a false insurance claim and insurance fraud.
He pleaded not guilty to all of the charges. His lawyer did not return a call seeking comment.
In April, Cooper told his insurance company, Esurance, that his 2016 Dodge Challenger was sideswiped by another vehicle that was trying to race him, the Department of Insurance said. Cooper said he lost control and hit a building. Two other cars were damaged by debris.
Esurance paid $35,321 for the claim, the Department of Insurance said.
In May, Esurance referred the case to the Department of Insurance after receiving a video that shows Cooper appearing to be street racing before the collision. The Ontario Police Department assisted in the investigation.
The probe determined that Cooper was racing another car on Holt Avenue at 118 mph on April 16, according to the criminal complaint. Cooper surrendered on Wednesday, Oct. 28. He was booked into West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga before posting bail.
