Introduction to the Incident
A man is paralyzed in a coma after a driver rammed a car into a CarMax dealership in Inglewood last Saturday, Los Angeles authorities said Tuesday.
The victim suffered a brain injury and became paralyzed after Andrew Arroyo, 25, crashed into the business on La Cienega Boulevard after 2 p.m. Saturday, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said in a complaint.
Charges Against the Driver
The district attorney filed several charges against Arroyo, including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon and vandalism, the complaint showed. Among 10 people affected by the incident, six of them suffered great bodily injuries, according to the district attorney’s office. A CarMax spokesperson said Tuesday only one of the injured people was an employee, not two as previously reported.
Events Leading to the Crash
The company also told NBC Los Angeles that prior to the crash, Arroyo had come into the dealership, looking at the inventory and getting an offer on a car before his mood changed. “Employees share that they observed his behavior turn suddenly erratic, but they did not perceive it to be related to the appraisal offer,” the CarMax spokesperson said. Arroyo allegedly caused a hit-and-run, injuring another person, although it’s not clear whether the incident happened before or after the CarMax crash.
Allegations Against Arroyo
The suspect was also armed with a weapon and attempted to use it during the ordeal on Saturday, the district attorney’s office said. The complaint also said Arroyo exhibited a “high degree of cruelty, viciousness and callousness” through the incidents with the district attorney’s office claiming that the suspect poses “serious danger to society.” If convicted, Arroyo could face life in prison.
Background of the Suspect
The driver was on probation at the time of his arrest after getting a reduced plea bargain following a DUI. It was not immediately clear why he was given the plea deal.
Conclusion
The incident at the CarMax dealership in Inglewood has left a man in a coma and several others injured, with the driver facing serious charges including attempted murder. The investigation into the events leading up to the crash and the subsequent actions of the suspect is ongoing, highlighting the need for vigilance and swift action in preventing such incidents.
FAQs
- Q: What happened at the CarMax dealership in Inglewood?
A: A driver, Andrew Arroyo, crashed a car into the dealership, leaving a man paralyzed in a coma and several others injured. - Q: What charges is Andrew Arroyo facing?
A: Arroyo is facing charges including attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and vandalism. - Q: Were any CarMax employees injured in the incident?
A: Yes, one CarMax employee was among the injured, contrary to initial reports that suggested two employees were hurt. - Q: What was the behavior of the suspect before the crash?
A: Arroyo’s behavior was reported to have turned erratic after he received an offer on a car at the dealership, though it was not perceived as related to the offer. - Q: What is the potential sentence if Arroyo is convicted?
A: If convicted, Arroyo could face life in prison due to the severity of the charges against him.
