In a bizarre tale of buyer’s remorse gone rogue, a Utah man’s frustration with a car dealership boiled over in dramatic fashion when he rammed his newly purchased vehicle into the showroom after being denied a refund.
Michael Lee Murray, 35, purchased a used Subaru Outback from the Tim Dahle Mazda Southtowne dealership in Sandy, Utah, on Monday morning for $4,000. By that afternoon, however, things had taken a sharp turn. Alleging the car was a “lemon” with mechanical issues, Murray returned to the dealership demanding his money back.
The dealership refused, citing their clear disclosure that the vehicle, sold “as is,” required additional work. Manager Tyler Slade noted, “We were very clear about the fact that this car is not retail. It’s going to need more inspecting and some work.”
What began as a disgruntled exchange escalated into a scene straight out of an action movie. After allegedly threatening to drive his car into the dealership unless he received a refund, Murray made good on his warning. Surveillance footage captured the shocking moment when Murray plowed the Subaru through the dealership’s glass doors, smashing into a desk and leaving employees stunned.
“I told you motherf***ers! I told you!” Murray yelled as he stormed through the shattered glass, discarding his jacket before walking out through the destroyed entrance.
The dealership’s employees scrambled in the aftermath, with one shouting for someone to “call the cops.” Seven salesmen were reportedly near the front door when the chaos unfolded, but fortunately, no one was injured.
Manager Tyler Slade, who had been outside when the crash occurred, described the scene as “a big bang and a lot of scrambling employees.” Despite the ordeal, the dealership suffered around $10,000 in damages, but no lives were endangered—a small mercy given the circumstances.
Police swiftly arrested Murray, charging him with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and economic interruption. He was released from jail the following day, offering a remorseful explanation to *Inside Edition*.
“I was just really angry, upset about my money,” Murray admitted. “I just kind of blacked out for a second.” While acknowledging that his reaction was extreme, he insisted he had reached his “breaking point.”
Interestingly, the dealership claims it had offered to refund Murray or provide him with another car before he decided to ram through the front doors.
This incident raises broader questions about personal accountability and the importance of transparency in transactions. While the dealership insists it disclosed the car’s issues, the episode is a stark reminder of how quickly disputes can escalate when tempers flare.
Murray’s actions may have cost him more than just the $4,000 he initially spent—his impulsive rage now carries the weight of legal charges and public scrutiny.
Let this serve as a cautionary tale: frustrations are inevitable, but reckless actions rarely deliver the resolution one seeks.
