Man Wanted After Allegedly Faking Supermarket Fall to File False Insurance Claim

A man is currently wanted in Kittitas County, Washington, for allegedly attempting to commit insurance fraud by staging a slip-and-fall incident at a supermarket in Ellensburg. Surveillance footage reportedly captured the suspect pouring liquid on the floor before pretending to fall while picking up a gallon of milk at Super 1 Foods on East Mountain View Avenue.

According to investigators from the Washington State Office of the Insurance Commissioner, the man filed a customer accident report and later submitted insurance claims totaling close to $10,000. These claims included over $2,000 in medical expenses, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering. However, medical imaging showed no visible injuries, and further investigation revealed he had not actually been hired by the employer he referenced in the claim.

The insurance provider, North River Insurance Company, deemed the claim fraudulent after reviewing surveillance footage and verifying the employment status. When contacted by investigators, the suspect declined to give a formal statement, saying he was seeking legal representation.

After failing to appear for his arraignment on April 3, a warrant was issued for his arrest. He now faces one count of first-degree theft and three counts of filing a false insurance claim in amounts exceeding $1,500. Authorities are continuing their search for the suspect.