California CarMax Incident: Suspect Charged with Attempted Murder After SUV Attack
A chilling incident at a CarMax dealership in Inglewood, California, has resulted in the arrest and charging of 25-year-old Andrew Jesus Arroyo with a litany of felony offenses, including attempted murder. The charges stem from an incident where Arroyo allegedly drove an SUV into the CarMax building, injuring an employee and several customers. The disturbing event, captured on video and widely circulated online, has left the community reeling and CarMax officials "profoundly shocked and heartbroken."
The criminal complaint, obtained by USA TODAY, details the severity of the accusations against Arroyo. In addition to the attempted murder charge, he faces nine counts of assault with a deadly weapon, one count of hit-and-run driving resulting in injury to another person, and one count of vandalism for causing over $400 in damage to the property.
The video footage depicts a scene of chaos and terror. The SUV is shown backing into the CarMax building, forcing employees to scramble for safety. The vehicle then turns around and drives through the other end of the showroom, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Furniture and equipment are scattered across the floor as the driver seemingly exits the scene.
A CarMax spokesperson issued a statement expressing the company’s deep distress over the incident. "We are profoundly shocked and heartbroken by the horrific act that occurred on Saturday, March 8, at our Inglewood, California store, when an individual drove through the showroom, injuring one CarMax employee and several customers," the statement read.
According to the spokesperson, the employee who sustained injuries was taken to a hospital and later released with non-life-threatening injuries. While several customers were also injured, the company stated they did not have an update on their conditions as of Monday.
However, the Los Angeles County Fire Department provided a more detailed account of the injuries. Luis Garcia of the fire department confirmed that eight people were injured in total. Two individuals were in critical condition, while six others suffered minor injuries. The severity of the injuries underscores the potentially deadly nature of Arroyo’s alleged actions.
Adding to the tragedy, the criminal complaint reveals that Arroyo’s alleged actions have had devastating consequences for at least one individual. The complaint states that one person suffered paralysis and went into a coma due to a brain injury as a result of the incident. This detail highlights the life-altering impact of the alleged crime and the immense suffering it has caused.
In the aftermath of the incident, questions have arisen regarding Arroyo’s motive. The CarMax spokesperson clarified that Arroyo’s actions were not related to an appraisal offer. Employees who interacted with him on the day of the incident reported that he did not complain about the offer and even spent time browsing the company’s inventory, seemingly considering a potential purchase.
The spokesperson further stated that employees observed Arroyo’s behavior become suddenly erratic, but they did not perceive it to be connected to the appraisal offer. "Employees share that they observed his behavior turn suddenly erratic, but they did not perceive it to be related to the appraisal offer," the spokesperson told USA TODAY.
The lack of a clear motive adds to the perplexing nature of the crime. Authorities are continuing to investigate the incident to fully understand the circumstances that led to Arroyo’s alleged rampage. "We continue to review all information available to fully understand this incident," the spokesperson said. "As you can imagine, this is a very sensitive and serious incident."
The community has rallied in support of the victims and the CarMax employees affected by the tragedy. "We want to extend our deepest gratitude to the broader Inglewood community for their outpouring of support during this awful event," the CarMax spokesperson said.
Arroyo was arrested by Inglewood police on Saturday and is currently being held at a Los Angeles County correctional facility without bond, according to inmate records. State prosecutors recommended a bail of $1.3 million, reflecting the seriousness of the charges against him.
Arroyo was arraigned on Tuesday, and his next court hearing is scheduled for April 2, according to Los Angeles County court records. As of now, he does not have a defense attorney listed in the county court records. The legal proceedings will likely be complex and lengthy, as the court seeks to determine Arroyo’s culpability and the appropriate consequences for his alleged actions.
The incident at the CarMax dealership serves as a stark reminder of the potential for violence and the importance of maintaining safety and security in public spaces. It also highlights the devastating impact that such events can have on individuals, families, and the community as a whole. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are committed to bringing justice to the victims and ensuring that Arroyo is held accountable for his alleged actions. The community awaits further developments in the case, hoping for healing and a sense of closure in the wake of this shocking event.
