On a Monday morning in Sandy, Utah, a seemingly ordinary car purchase quickly spiraled into an extraordinary act of vehicular vandalism. Michael Lee Murray, a 35-year-old resident, purchased a used Subaru Outback from Tim Dahle Mazda Southtowne for $4,000. His satisfaction with the purchase was short-lived, however, as he soon discovered what he believed to be significant mechanical issues with the vehicle. Convinced he had been sold a “lemon,” a car with defects seriously compromising its safety and usability, Murray returned to the dealership seeking a refund.
The dealership management, however, refused Murray’s request. Their position, as explained by manager Tyler Slade, was that the car had been sold “as is,” a common practice for used vehicles, especially those sold below market value. Slade further asserted that Murray had been explicitly informed prior to the purchase that the Subaru required additional inspection and repairs. This pre-purchase disclosure, according to the dealership, negated any grounds for a refund based on pre-existing mechanical issues. The “as is” clause, a commonly used legal provision, essentially transfers the responsibility for repairs and maintenance to the buyer upon purchase.
The refusal to refund his money ignited a fury in Murray. He allegedly issued a threat to the dealership, vowing to ram his newly acquired Subaru into their building unless they reconsidered their decision. Dealership employees attempted to de-escalate the situation, urging Murray to calm down and seek a more reasonable resolution. They offered alternative solutions, emphasizing their willingness to work out a compromise. However, Murray’s anger had apparently reached a boiling point.
Ignoring the pleas for calm, Murray stormed out of the dealership, got into his Subaru, and within minutes, made good on his threat. A dramatic video captured the incident from within the dealership. The footage shows the Subaru crashing through the glass front doors, sending shards of glass and debris flying, and knocking over a desk in its path. Murray emerges from the wreckage, shouting expletives, seemingly confirming his premeditated act of destruction. He then proceeds to rip off his jacket and stride out of the building through the shattered entrance, leaving stunned employees scrambling to call the police and shut off the engine of the still-running Subaru.
The aftermath of the incident left the dealership with an estimated $10,000 in damages. While no one was injured, the incident understandably rattled the employees. Manager Tyler Slade, who had been just outside the building at the time of the crash, described the scene as chaotic, with the loud bang of the impact followed by the panicked scrambling of employees. Slade reiterated that the dealership had offered Murray both a refund and the option of a different vehicle before the destructive act, further solidifying their claim that they attempted to resolve the situation amicably.
Police swiftly responded to the scene and arrested Murray. He was charged with criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, and economic interruption. The charges reflect the severity of his actions, encompassing the property damage, the potential harm to employees, and the disruption to the dealership’s business operations. Murray was subsequently released from jail the following day.
Following his release, Murray spoke to Inside Edition, offering a glimpse into his mindset during the incident. He expressed remorse, attributing his actions to a “breaking point” brought on by his anger and frustration over the denied refund. He acknowledged the irrationality of his behavior, conceding that driving the car through the dealership was likely not the best course of action. His explanation, while offering a degree of insight, does little to mitigate the seriousness of his actions and the potential consequences he now faces. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the destructive potential of unchecked anger and the importance of seeking constructive solutions to conflict.
This incident raises several important points. Firstly, it highlights the importance of clear communication and transparency in sales transactions, particularly for used vehicles. The “as is” clause, while common and legal, can become a source of contention if not properly explained and understood by both parties. Secondly, it emphasizes the responsibility of businesses to handle customer complaints with professionalism and a commitment to finding mutually acceptable solutions. While the dealership maintains they offered alternatives, the incident suggests a breakdown in communication and a failure to de-escalate the situation effectively. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, the incident underscores the devastating consequences that can result from uncontrolled anger and impulsive actions. While Murray expressed remorse, his actions caused significant property damage and endangered the safety of others, highlighting the importance of managing emotions and seeking constructive outlets for frustration.
