Subaru Outback Owner Crashes Into CarMax, Injures 8 [Update]

Buying a new car or selling your old one can be stressful and cause people to act out in ridiculous ways, as evidenced by one Subaru Outback who crashed into a CarMax store in Inglewood, California. Witnesses say the customer snapped, went out to his car, repeatedly rammed his Subaru Outback into the front door of the dealership until he could drive through it, then drove through the showroom and out a set of doors at the other end. At least eight people were injured; one CarMax employee was transported to a hospital with critical though with non-life-threatening injuries, and the other six people were treated for minor injuries at the scene according to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Update Wednesday March 12, 2025 12:20 p.m. EST – This post originally reported that the customer rammed into the CarMax office over disappointment regarding an appraisal, injuring two CarMax employees. We would like to clarify that the incident was not spurned on by an appraisal quote. CarMax also clarified for Jalopnik that one employee was injured, not two. 

NBC Los Angeles identified the driver as 25-year-old Andrew Arroyo, who reportedly fled the scene before turning himself in at the LAPD Academy. He was reportedly on probation at the time of the incident for a wet reckless charge last year, which is a reduced plea arrangement in lieu of a DUI charge. ABC 7 reported,

"The video showed the customer reversing into the entrance of the showroom as panicked employees and customers scattered.

The driver then drove through the rear of the building over broken glass and past overturned desks and chairs.

Miguel Hernandez, who shot the video, was there looking to buy a car when he first heard a loud argument.

"Employees were just running, screaming 'get out the way, get out the way!'" said Hernandez."

This is a tragedy for every victim who was involved, and there is no excuse for this kind of reckless, abhorrent behavior that shows no respect for the lives of others. Initial reports pointed to Arroyo being unhappy with an appraisal being the reason behind the crash, but in a statement to Jalopnik CarMax said, "according to accounts from employees who interacted with the suspect that day, he did not complain about the offer and even spent time looking at our inventory for potential purchase. Employees share that they observed his behavior turn suddenly erratic, but they did not perceive it to be related to the appraisal offer." 

I know times are tough and all, but isn't it common knowledge that CarMax will not pay you much for your car since it turns around and sells it again to make a profit? Yes it sucks that this giant corporation won't pay you what you think your car is worth, but if you wanted to know what to expect from the experience you could have just Googled it. CarMax offers online appraisals too, so the Outback driver could have found out about the low offer online without leaving his house. There have been other examples of angry customers taking issue with car dealerships, but these situations never end well. Selling your car sucks, but it's never worth hurting people over.