South Florida man arrested for staging car crash to file fraudulent insurance claim

www.wpbf.com,Vanessa Laurent, April 4, 2026

, Fla. —A South Florida man has been arrested after investigators say he intentionally caused a car crash and then tried to profit from it by filing a fraudulent insurance claim.

According to authorities, the incident happened on Feb. 22, 2026, at the intersection of Woolbright Road and El Clair Ranch Road. What was initially reported as a traffic crash was later determined to be staged following a detailed investigation that included video evidence and witness statements. Investigators say the suspect deliberately and forcefully struck another vehicle.

The suspect was identified as Van Steaven Ceron. Officials say Ceron later filed an insurance claim with State Farm, seeking payment for damage to his vehicle and claiming injuries related to the crash. Investigators determined those claims were fraudulent.

The woman driving the other vehicle was not part of the scheme and suffered significant losses. Her vehicle sustained more than $12,000 in damage, and she reported back and neck injuries as a result of the collision.

A warrant was issued for Ceron's vehicle, which was seized on March 30, 2026. Ceron was located and taken into custody the following day, March 31, and now faces multiple charges connected to the staged crash and insurance fraud.

The investigation remains ongoing.

News article: South Florida man arrested for staging car crash to file fraudulent insurance claim