North Dakota Bowling Alley Owner Files Lawsuit Over Arson Fire

The owner of a Bottineau, N.D., bowling alley damaged by an arson fire is suing the company that insured the building.

Thomas Kessler of Tommy Turtle Lanes accuses North Pointe Insurance Co. of violating terms of the policy and failing to pay total benefits. He’s seeking unspecified damages.

The Michigan-based insurance company says in federal court documents that the damage claims are “overstated, unreasonable and excessive,” and denies assertions by Kessler that the bowling alley and restaurant were “totally destroyed.”

North Pointe Insurance is asking a judge to throw out the lawsuit.

The fire occurred on July 19, 2011.