Staged Accident “Victims” Caught on Video

One might think that in the “Big Brother” era, one of the crucial first steps in planning a staged auto accident would be to look for security cameras. In a case involving nine suspects to a staged auto crash on a Bronx street last summer, that precaution didn’t seem to make the checklist. 

In two video clips posted on youtube, it seems that their first attempt at ramming their vehicles into one another didn’t actually damage the cars enough.  The suspects –split up into three vehicles– appear to give it another go creating what the authorities say was a criminal version of a demolition derby.

According to an article in the New York Times, when they decided to put an end to their fake car accidents, the suspects allegedly called the police to file their accident reports. They were apparently all seeking $39,000 for the medical treatment of various injuries they were claiming.

Due to a pesky little surveillance camera at a nearby business however, police now have evidence that they allege is a carefully choreographed and gingerly performed staged auto accident.

The videotape, provided by that nearby business, only confirmed the investigators suspicions about the crash. According to Captain Don Boller of the New York Police Department Organized Crime Investigation Division, the “red flag was very minor damage and all the occupants claimed injuries.”

“Whoever is doing this crime really doesn’t want to get hurt,” said Captain Boller. “They just want to be able to claim the injuries.”

Initially the suspects told the police that the accident happened because the first vehicle stopped short at a stop sign, and the next two didn’t have enough time to break.

The police announced on Tuesday that they have been able to arrest eight of the nine participants. They were all charged with insurance fraud, grand larceny and falsifying business records.

The ninth suspect is still on the run.

According to records, one of the men arrested, Hector Cruz, has previously been involved in a staged accident. According to Captain Boller, however, the details of that case were not immediately available.

These are merely allegations as there have been no convictions.  All parties are innocent until proven guilty.