‘Get out the way!’ Multiple people injured after customer drives through CarMax dealership
A customer drove through California CarMax building on Saturday, hitting two employees and multiple customers, according to a statement from the car retailer.
Video circulating online shows an SUV backing into the building as employees try to get out of the way. The SUV then turns around and drives through the other end of the building. Company furniture and equipment can be seen scattered in the vehicle’s path.
“We can confirm the CarMax employees were treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries,” CarMax said in a statement to USA TODAY Monday morning. “We also know the customers injured during the incident were being treated at the hospital and we are currently inquiring about the status of their injuries.”
According to CarMax, police arrested the customer accused of driving through the storefront and the retailer is closed.
According to KABC-TV, at least eight people were injured altogether. Citing the Los Angeles County Fire Department, KABC-TV said two people were transported to a hospital with critical injuries while six suffered minor injuries and were treated on-site.
“We are deeply saddened by this event and our hearts go out to everyone impacted,” CarMax said.
CarMax declined to answer further questions about the incident but told television station KABC-TV that the customer was getting his vehicle appraised at the dealership, and witnesses said they didn’t like the offer. The customer then got into his vehicle and tried multiple times to drive through the building’s front entrance before he was finally successful.
‘Employees were just running, screaming’
According to KABC-TV, someone called authorities about the crash at about 2:10 p.m. Saturday at the CarMax dealership.
According to the fire department, the initial call was for an active shooter, which was a mistake.
Miguel Hernandez, who was at the dealership trying to buy a car when he heard an argument, described his account of the incident to KABC-TV. He recorded a video of the ordeal.
“Employees were just running, screaming ‘get out the way, get out the way!'” Hernandez told the outlet.
The Los Angeles Police Department deferred USA TODAY to Inglewood police, who did not immediately respond to USA TODAY’s requests for comment Monday morning.
The Los Angeles County Fire Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY’s NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at [email protected].