A shocking incident unfolded at a CarMax dealership in Inglewood, California, when an upset customer intentionally drove their vehicle into the showroom, injuring eight people.
The violent act, which stemmed from a dispute with the dealership, has left two victims in critical condition and sparked widespread attention.
According to a report from NBC Los Angeles, the incident occurred in the afternoon when the customer, frustrated over a disagreement—possibly related to a vehicle appraisal—drove their car through the front of the store.
Inglewood police confirmed that the driver struck multiple individuals inside, including employees and other customers, before attempting to flee the scene.
The suspect later surrendered to authorities at an LAPD training center, as detailed in a follow-up by ABC 7 Los Angeles.
CarMax released an official statement acknowledging the event: “This afternoon, a customer drove through our Inglewood, California store, hitting and injuring several employees and customers who are receiving medical care at this time.”
The company emphasized its cooperation with law enforcement as the investigation continues, per CNN.
Initial reports from police, cited by KTLA, clarified that the driver was not an employee, correcting earlier speculation, and that the crash was a deliberate act of retaliation.
The Los Angeles Times reported that among the eight injured, two suffered critical injuries, while the others sustained varying degrees of harm.
Emergency responders quickly arrived at the scene, and video footage circulating online captured the chaotic aftermath, showing a mangled storefront and bystanders rushing to assist the victims.
Authorities have not yet released the suspect’s identity or specified the exact nature of the dispute, though CBS News noted that low appraisal offers are a common source of frustration among CarMax customers, potentially providing context for the incident.
This brazen act has raised questions about safety protocols at retail locations dealing with high-stakes transactions.
Inglewood police are continuing their investigation, and charges are pending against the driver, who remains in custody.
As the community reels from the event, attention turns to the recovery of those injured and the broader implications of such outbursts of frustration.
Mainstream coverage from outlets like NBC, ABC, and CNN underscores the severity of the incident, painting a picture of a routine business day turned tragic by one individual’s actions.
Updates are expected as more details emerge regarding the suspect’s motives and the condition of the victims.
