'Get out the way!' Multiple people injured after customer drives through CarMax dealership

A customer drove through California CarMax building on Saturday, injuring one employee and multiple customers, according to an updated 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.

CarMax initially said in a statement that two employees had been injured. As of Wednesday, that number has dropped to one employee, the company said.

"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 company said.

The CarMax employee was treated at the hospital for non-life-threatening injuries and released.

"We understand that several customers also received medical care, but we do not have an update on their conditions," CarMax wrote in the statement. "We are thankful for local law enforcement’s swift response and arrest of the individual allegedly responsible."

According to CarMax, police arrested the customer accused of driving through the storefront and the retailer is closed.

Eight people were injured, Luis Garcia of the Los Angeles County Fire Department confirmed to Paste BN Monday afternoon. Garcia said two patients were in critical condition and six suffered minor injuries. Of those hurt, two were taken to the hospital, he said. The building was cleared at 3:07 p.m. Saturday, Garcia added.

“We are deeply saddened by this event and our hearts go out to everyone impacted,” CarMax said in its statement.

CarMax declined to answer further questions about the incident Monday but news television station KABC-TV cited CarMax and said the customer then got into his vehicle and tried multiple times to drive through the building’s front entrance before he was finally successful.

CarMax said Tuesday night that based on employee reports, this is not true. Employees who interacted with the suspect that day said he did not complain about the appraisal offer and looked at the company's inventory to potentially buy a vehicle.

"Employees share that they observed his behavior turn suddenly erratic, but they did not perceive it to be related to the appraisal offer," a spokesperson for CarMax wrote in an email to Paste BN late Tuesday night. "We continue to review all information available to fully understand this incident."

‘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 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 Paste BN to Inglewood police, who did not immediately respond to Paste BN’s requests for comment Monday morning. 

This story has been updated with new information.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on Paste BN's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia – the 757. Email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.