San Bernardino, November 25, 2025
A ride-hail driver’s crash in San Bernardino has unveiled an alleged insurance fraud scheme involving passengers who staged the accident to file fake injury claims. The incident, which occurred on the 215 Freeway, led to serious legal repercussions for the individuals involved. This case highlights growing concerns regarding fraudulent activities targeting the ride-hail industry, posing risks for drivers and passengers alike.
San Bernardino, California: Ride-Hail Driver’s Crash Unveils Alleged Insurance Fraud Scheme
The Incident Overview
In San Bernardino, California, a disturbing incident involving a ride-hail driver has recently come to light, revealing an alleged scheme aimed at defrauding insurance providers. What appeared to be a routine collision on the freeway turned into an investigation that exposed the calculated actions of multiple individuals seeking financial gain through deception.
On November 23, 2024, a group of passengers ordered a ride-hail vehicle and orchestrated a crash with a separate car driven by John Murillo. Authorities allege that the passengers, including Ledontae Pope and Kalil Davis, staged the accident in a bid to file fraudulent injury claims against the ride-hail driver’s insurer. This situation represents not only an unfortunate breakdown in individual ethics but also a broader concern for business operators within the ride-hail industry, who are increasingly vulnerable to fraudulent schemes.
Details of the Allegation
The incident occurred on the 215 Freeway when John Murillo, driving a separate vehicle, collided with the ride-hail car. The passengers, Ledontae Pope and Kalil Davis, claimed injuries, purportedly to bolster their fraudulent insurance claims. The California Highway Patrol initially treated the incident as a hit-and-run; however, suspicions raised by the ride-hail driver prompted a deeper investigation.
Legal Proceedings Unfold
Following the crash, the California Highway Patrol referred the case to the Inland Empire Automobile Insurance Task Force after the ride-hail driver expressed concerns about the legitimacy of the incident. By January 27, authorities had charged Pope, Davis, and Deshawn Perater-Nickson with serious offenses, including assault with a deadly weapon and insurance fraud. Perater-Nickson was identified as the owner of the vehicle involved in the staged accident.
Legal outcomes have been significant. All but one of the involved suspects have pleaded no contest, receiving varying sentences of jail time and probation. Murillo’s case is still pending, but negotiations have indicated a potential two-year prison term. Perater-Nickson’s charges are particularly severe, with multiple felonies including false imprisonment and pandering awaiting resolution in court.
The Impact on Local Businesses
This case underscores a growing threat to the ride-hailing industry, illuminating how such fraudulent activities not only lead to financial losses for drivers and insurance companies but also create an unsafe environment for passengers. As investigations reveal the complexity of these schemes, the importance of safeguarding job creators and entrepreneurs in the local economy becomes increasingly urgent.
Persisting Concerns for the Ride-Hail Sector
Fraudulent activities targeting ride-hail drivers have emerged as a pressing issue, raising concerns among stakeholders. Ensuring that drivers are protected from scams is critical for the viability of the ride-hail business model, which has flourished due to advances in technology and market demand. Efforts to address these threats can foster a safer atmosphere for both drivers and passengers, reinforcing community trust in ride-hailing services.
Conclusion
The alarming details surrounding this alleged insurance fraud scheme in San Bernardino highlight the necessity for stringent regulatory measures combined with community awareness initiatives. Supporting local businesses and enhancing the integrity of the ride-hailing industry will require cooperation from both authorities and the public. As Los Angeles County continues to thrive economically, it is essential for all stakeholders to advocate for a transparent and secure environment for entrepreneurs and innovative services.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What happened in the San Bernardino ride-hail crash?
A ride-hail driver was involved in a crash on the 215 Freeway in San Bernardino, which authorities later determined was a staged incident orchestrated by the passengers and another driver to commit insurance fraud.
Who were the individuals involved in the alleged insurance fraud scheme?
The individuals involved included the ride-hail driver, John Murillo, and passengers Ledontae Pope, Kalil Davis, Deshawn Perater-Nickson, and Klydale Moses. Murillo was the driver of the vehicle that collided with the ride-hail car, while Pope and Davis were passengers in the ride-hail vehicle. Perater-Nickson was identified as the owner of the vehicle driven by Murillo, and Moses played a role in the scheme without being directly involved in the crash.
What legal actions were taken against the suspects?
All but Perater-Nickson have pleaded no contest in court in the last two months. Pope, Davis, and Moses were sentenced to jail time and probation. Murillo is awaiting sentencing but has agreed to spend two years in prison. Perater-Nickson faces multiple felonies, including false imprisonment, pimping, and pandering. His case is pending in court.
What is the significance of this case?
This case underscores the growing concern over fraudulent activities targeting ride-hail drivers and their insurance providers. Such schemes not only lead to financial losses but also pose significant safety risks on the roads. Authorities continue to monitor and investigate similar incidents to protect both drivers and passengers from fraudulent activities.
Key Features of the Incident
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | 215 Freeway, San Bernardino, California |
| Date of Incident | November 23, 2024 |
| Suspects Involved | John Murillo, Ledontae Pope, Kalil Davis, Deshawn Perater-Nickson, Klydale Moses |
| Charges | Assault with a deadly weapon, insurance fraud, false imprisonment, pimping, pandering |
| Legal Outcomes | Plea deals, jail time, probation, pending case for Perater-Nickson |
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