A Utah man with buyer’s remorse drove his recently purchased car through a dealership’s glass storefront Monday after a dispute over mechanical issues, causing an estimated $10,000 in damage.
Michael Lee Murray, 35, bought a used Subaru Outback for $4,000 from Tim Dahle Mazda Southtowne in Sandy, Utah, only to return hours later demanding a refund for what he called a “lemon.”
“We were very clear about the fact that this car is not retail,” dealership manager Tyler Slade told Fox 13 News. “It’s gonna need more inspecting and some work.”
After being told the “as is” sale was final, Murray threatened to ram the building. Staff attempted to defuse the situation: “We’re like, ‘Whoa, we don’t need to do that. Sit down, we can figure this out, we can find a solution,'” Slade recounted.
According to police, about seven salesmen were near the front entrance when video from inside the dealership shows his car smashing through glass doors and destroying a desk, sending debris into a showroom vehicle.
“I told you motherf–kers! I told you!” Murray shouted as he walked through the shattered glass, removing his jacket before exiting through the destroyed entrance. Shocked employees can be heard calling for police as others rushed to shut off the Subaru’s engine.
The man had purchased a Subaru Outback from the dealership earlier that morning. When he later called to return the car, his request was denied, as the vehicle was sold “as is.” Frustrated, he threatened to crash the car into the dealership if they refused to take it back. pic.twitter.com/jBdv4dyQxK
— Content with Context (@githii) December 10, 2024
Speaking to Inside Edition after his release from jail Tuesday, Murray expressed remorse.
“I was just really angry, upset about my money. I just kind of blacked out for a second.” He acknowledged he “probably shouldn’t have done it, but I guess I just hit a breaking point.”
Slade claimed the dealership had offered Murray his money back or a different vehicle before the incident. The police report detailed extensive damage: “front doors were now inside the building, there was glass shattered all around where Murray’s vehicle was and some pieces of the door and door frame had hit another vehicle that was in the showroom.”
Murray faces charges of criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and economic interruption. No injuries were reported despite the dramatic nature of the incident.