CRESTVIEW — A Crestview man accused of burning his own vehicle to defraud his insurer faces arson and insurance fraud charges.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office responded to a vehicle fire at 3393 U.S. Highway 90 at the Roy Lynn Barnes Public Boat Ramp on March 24, 2015, according to Florida State Fire Marshal investigation records. In an interview with the Fire Marshal’s office, Christopher Talbert, the 2010 Chevrolet truck’s owner, said he met his wife at the boat ramp around 3 p.m. the day before and, when he returned to the truck, it was hard to start, and the check engine light turned on. He told investigators he decided to leave the truck overnight and rode home with his wife.
When the owner returned the next morning, he discovered the interior was set on fire, the stereo equipment had been stolen and the smell of gasoline was thick inside the cab. He told investigators that he still owed a balance on his loan for the truck and that he used the vehicle for his flooring business. The estimated loss was $8,000.
The incident was listed as a burglary until Oct. 8…
This article originally appeared on Crestview News Bulletin: Crestview man faces arson, insurance fraud charges