Arrest made in Mitchell County vehicle arson, insurance fraud case

A North Iowa man has been arrested for allegedly staging an accident and blowing up his own truck in an attempt to falsely collect more than $70,000 in insurance money.

Zachary Marshall Robbins, 39, Charles City, made his initial appearance before a magistrate Friday on charges of first-degree arson, a Class B felony; insurance fraud, a Class D felony; and making a false report of an indictable offense, a serious misdemeanor.

He posted bond following his April 4 arrest on a warrant issued in March 2022.

According to an Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau complaint, Robbins entered into an agreement with another to stage a motor vehicle collision with the intent to collect insurance proceeds under false pretenses.

On March 13, 2019, while at the intersection of Shadow Avenue and 450th Street in Mitchell County, Robbins' vehicle and another intentionally collided, causing damage to both, the complaint states.

While in the presence of another, Robbins allegedly ignited combustible material within the passenger compartment of his vehicle, causing a fire-like explosion which destroyed his truck and all that it contained.

The Mitchell County Sheriff's Office responded to the accident and completed a report. When interviewed, Robbins allegedly provided false statements about the crash.

According to the Iowa Insurance Fraud Bureau, Robbins also misrepresented facts to his insurer in an attempt to obtain more than $70,000 in proceeds he was not entitled to.