A northwest Houston man, who allegedly burned a sport utility vehicle belonging to family members in order to collect $35,000 in insurance proceeds, was arrested and charged after an investigation by Harris County fire marshal investigators.
According to the Houston Chronicle, Paul Rodriguez was charged with arson and placed in County Jail on $20,000 bail. Others are expected to be arrested for arson and insurance fraud in connection with the case. Investigators said Rodriguez is a “flight risk” and felt it was important to charge him without delay.
The torched vehicle, a 2003 Ford Expedition, was reported stolen on Feb. 24 at an area mall and later was found burned in north Harris County.
The $35,000 insurance policy on the car was purchased on Feb. 23.
Was this article valuable?
Here are more articles you may enjoy.
KCC Says Isaias Insured Losses to Be $3 Billion; AM Best Calls Storm an Earnings Event 
‘Unusual’ Isaias Brings Winds, Downed Trees But Fewer Claims Than Expected 
Walter’s Insurers Skirted Capital Rules With ‘Rolling’ Loophole 
Recovery Starts Before the Loss: What Claims Professionals Know About Severe Weather Preparedness 
Want to stay up to date?
Get the latest insurance news
sent straight to your inbox.