Arrests and Charges
Four -area residents were arrested for staging fake bear attacks on cars to defraud insurance companies, using a person in a bear costume as the supposed culprit.
The suspects, aged between 26 and 39, were charged with insurance fraud and conspiracy, collectively defrauding nearly $142,000.
Investigation and Discovery
Dubbed "Operation Bear Claw," the investigation was initiated after an insurance company flagged suspicious claims, leading to a review that confirmed the bear was a person in a costume.
A search warrant executed at the suspects' home uncovered a bear costume, corroborating the fraudulent scheme which also involved claims for two Mercedes-Benz vehicles.