INGLEWOOD, Calif. (AP) — On Saturday, a shocking incident occurred at a CarMax location in Inglewood, California, where a driver crashed a vehicle into the dealership, resulting in injuries to eight individuals. This incident has raised concerns about safety and the chaotic scenes that unfolded during and after the crash.

According to Jonathan Torres, a spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Fire Department, two of the injured individuals sustained critical injuries, while the remaining six experienced minor injuries. The emergency response was swift, with fire department personnel quickly arriving on the scene to assist those affected. Eyewitness accounts captured in a video posted on social media showed a damaged SUV backing into the building, with an employee seen rushing out amidst the chaos. The vehicle subsequently pivoted in the lobby area and exited through the opposite end of the building.

The driver, identified as a customer whose vehicle was undergoing appraisal, was later arrested by the authorities. CarMax, the well-known used car retailer, issued a statement expressing appreciation for the quick response from law enforcement and emergency services. The statement acknowledged the gravity of the situation and the need for a thorough investigation.

Initially, reports suggested that the incident could have been related to an active shooter situation, which prompted an immediate response from law enforcement. However, Torres clarified that there was no evidence to support this claim, and the situation was quickly deemed as a vehicle crash rather than a security threat.

Inglewood, where the incident took place, is situated approximately 10 miles (16 kilometers) southwest of downtown Los Angeles. The location of CarMax in Inglewood has been a popular spot for customers seeking to buy or sell vehicles. This unsettling event has stirred conversations about safety protocols in public places and the potential risks of erratic driver behavior.

As investigations continue, the community is left to grapple with the implications of such incidents and the importance of maintaining safety within commercial establishments. The response from law enforcement and emergency responders has been praised, highlighting the effectiveness of their protocols in managing crises.