Stockton- Today, San Joaquin County District Attorney Ron Freitas announced the arraignment of defendant Eliu Canales, 43, on 54 felony counts of insurance fraud, assault with a deadly weapon, and reckless driving after a joint investigation by the California Department of Insurance and the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office found he allegedly staged collisions with unsuspecting drivers in order to collect over $35,000 in insurance payouts.

“Thank you to Deputy District Attorney Marjorie Burrise and our partners at the California Department of Insurance for uncovering these transgressions,” said District Attorney Ron Freitas. “Automobile Insurance Fraud is a crime. The potential loss of life is highly concerning and I applaud the Grant Operations and Community Prosecution unit for their efforts in mitigating the impact of fraud on our residents.”

According to the California Department of Insurance, the defendant worked as a tow truck driver in 2017 through 2022, and allegedly orchestrated 22 vehicle collisions with unsuspecting drivers to file insurance claims against the other driver’s insurance company.

Defendant Eliu Canalas returns before the Honorable Judge John Soldati in Department 8C for bail review on Wednesday, March 29. At this time, the defendant is remanded to custody.

If you suspect you or someone you know are the victim of a staged collision, insist on a police report, document as much information about the collision as possible, and report the suspicious collision to the California Department of Insurance by calling 800-927-4357. In addition, San Joaquin County residents may contact the San Joaquin County District Attorney’s Office at 209-468-2904.