Every year, U.S. drivers hit an estimated 1.5 million deer, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety. But in one recent case, the deer in question never existed.
A Charlotte, North Carolina man faces insurance fraud charges after authorities say he falsely claimed a deer struck his vehicle. In reality, it seems he had actually been involved in a hit-and-run.
According to the North Carolina Department of Insurance, 33-year-old Daniel Alston Holmes told Peak Property and Casualty that a wild animal collided with his car. However, investigators say that wasn’t the case. His arrest warrant revealed the alleged offense took place back on September 12, 2023.
Queen City News didn’t specify the hit-and-run details. But, we can probably assume the other party spent all this time locating the at-fault driver. These cases can take time, and might include reviewing security footage, witness statements, and other investigative processes involving the victim, their insurance company (if applicable), and local authorities. They also probably checked the accused’s vehicle for evidence of a deer impact.
Holmes was taken into custody on January 30, 2025, in Gaston County. After his arrest, he was released on an $8,000 secured bond and made his first court appearance in Mecklenburg County District Court on February 3.
If convicted, Holmes could face serious legal consequences, including fines and possible jail time. Insurance fraud is considered a felony in North Carolina. Penalties can vary depending on the amount of money involved in the false claim. There’s also the hit-and-run allegation on top of the fraud.
In any case, just don’t pretend a deer hit you if it didn’t. There are usually obvious signs, like hair, or certain panel crumples that, if absent, any professional investigation would flag.
