SUV Crashes Into Los Angeles CarMax, Injuring Eight People

SUV Crashes Into Los Angeles CarMax, Injuring Eight People \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ A customer at a CarMax dealership in Inglewood, California, drove his SUV into the building on Saturday, injuring eight people. Two victims sustained critical injuries, while six others suffered minor injuries. Security footage captured the SUV crashing into the showroom, reversing, and exiting from the opposite end of the building. Authorities initially received reports of an active shooter, but officials later confirmed it was a vehicle crash. The driver was arrested, and an investigation is ongoing.

CarMax Crash in Los Angeles: Quick Look

• SUV Plows Into Dealership – A customer crashed his vehicle into a CarMax in Inglewood, injuring eight people.
• Two Critically Injured – Two victims suffered serious injuries, while six others sustained minor wounds.
• Security Footage Shows Chaos – Video shows the SUV reversing inside the showroom, then exiting through the opposite end of the building.
• False Active Shooter Reports – Initial 911 calls mistakenly reported a shooter, but police later confirmed it was a crash.
• Driver Arrested – The CarMax customer was taken into custody, though his identity and motive remain unclear.
• Ongoing Investigation – Authorities are determining whether the crash was intentional or accidental.
• Dealership Damage Assessment – The SUV destroyed the entrance, showroom vehicles, and interior furniture.
• More Details Expected – Inglewood Police are reviewing security footage and will release further information soon.

Deep Look

An SUV crashed into a CarMax dealership in Inglewood, California, on Saturday, injuring eight people and causing significant damage to the building. Authorities initially responded to reports of an active shooter, but later confirmed that the incident was a vehicle collision.

The driver, identified as a CarMax customer, was arrested at the scene, and an investigation is ongoing to determine whether the crash was accidental or intentional.

How the CarMax Crash Unfolded

According to the Los Angeles County Fire Department, emergency responders were called to the CarMax dealership in Inglewood after reports that a vehicle had plowed into the building.

• Two victims sustained critical injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital.
• Six others suffered minor injuries but did not require emergency hospitalization.
• The driver had just completed a vehicle appraisal before crashing into the dealership.

Surveillance Footage Captures Chaos

Footage posted on social media reveals the dramatic sequence of events inside the dealership:

1. A damaged SUV reverses inside the CarMax showroom, knocking over furniture and glass.
2. A CarMax employee rushes out of the building, visibly shaken.
3. The vehicle pivots inside the dealership’s lobby before exiting from the opposite end of the building.

Initial Reports of Active Shooter Spark Panic

When emergency calls first came in, authorities were alerted to a possible active shooter, prompting a heightened law enforcement response.

• Inglewood police quickly arrived on the scene, securing the area.
• Fire Department spokesperson Jonathan Torres later confirmed that there was no active shooter, and the injuries were caused solely by the vehicle crash.

Driver Identified as CarMax Customer, Arrested After Crash

CarMax confirmed that the driver in question was a customer whose vehicle had just been appraised.

• The company issued a statement, saying: “We appreciate the authorities’ swift response to this terrible event.”
• The driver was arrested, though his identity and motive have not yet been released.
• Authorities are investigating whether the crash was intentional or caused by driver error.

Witnesses Describe Terrifying Scene

Shoppers and employees inside the dealership at the time of the crash reported a scene of chaos and panic.

• “I heard a loud explosion and thought a bomb had gone off,” said one CarMax customer, who had been browsing vehicles inside the showroom.
• Another witness described seeing glass and debris flying as the vehicle barreled through the building.
• Employees rushed to help those who were injured, while others called 911.

Extent of Damage to CarMax Dealership

The SUV left a trail of destruction, damaging:

• The building’s front entrance, which was completely shattered.
• Multiple showroom vehicles, which sustained significant damage.
• Interior furniture and office equipment, which were destroyed by the vehicle’s impact.

CarMax has not yet provided an estimate for the cost of repairs, but the damage is expected to be extensive.

Ongoing Investigation: Was the Crash Intentional?

Law enforcement is still examining evidence and questioning witnesses to determine:

• Was the driver’s act deliberate? Authorities are looking into whether the customer intentionally rammed the dealership.
• Did the driver suffer a medical emergency? Investigators are considering a possible medical episode or mechanical failure.
• Was intoxication a factor? The driver was taken into custody, but authorities have not yet confirmed whether drugs or alcohol played a role.

What Happens Next?

• The Inglewood Police Department is expected to release more details as the investigation unfolds.
• CarMax will conduct its own internal review and assess damages before reopening the affected area.
• Authorities will determine whether the driver faces additional charges based on the results of the investigation.

The incident has raised concerns about dealership safety and the potential risks of vehicle appraisals conducted indoors.

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