Bunnell Man Accused Of Intentionally Sinking Car To Commit Insurance Fraud

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office (FCSO) arrested a man accused of intentionally sinking his own car in order to file a false insurance claim.

In 2017, 28-year-old Shawn Barnes made a stolen vehicle complaint in Bunnell. Barnes told authorities that his Fiat 500 had been stolen from his driveway during the night.

Three years later a witness came forward to the FCSO and informed them that Barnes was behind the disappearance of his own car.

"The witness stated that on December 29, 2017, Barnes and the witness were traveling together in the Fiat 500," deputies said as reported by Click Orlando. "Barnes drove the vehicle to a boat ramp in Putnam County where Barnes placed a rock on the accelerator and launched the car off a bulkhead next to the boat ramp into the canal where it sank to the bottom."

According to the deputies, Barnes specifically told the witness that he was intentionally sinking his car so he could make a false insurance claim.

After being tipped off by the witness, FCSO and Putnam County Sheriff's Office Dive Teams eventually found and retrieved the submerged car from the water in October.

When they searched the car, authorities found the large rock mentioned by the witness. The steering wheel was also tied to a fixture and the vehicle gear was still in drive with the keys in the ignition.

Barnes was arrested on Wednesday, November 4 and is facing charges of false and fraudulent insurance claim.

Barnes was released after posting a $3,000 bond.

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