Furious Car Buyer Crashes Into Dealership After Refund Request Is Denied
He took matters—and his Subaru—straight through the dealership doors.
A shocking incident in Sandy, Utah, has gone viral after a man drove his newly purchased Subaru Outback through the front doors of a car dealership in a fit of rage. The man, 35-year-old Michael Lee Murray, bought the vehicle from the Tim Dale Mazda Southtowne dealership earlier that day but quickly returned, claiming the car was a "lemon" and demanding a refund.
When staff denied his request, events took a dramatic and destructive turn.
Witnesses reported that Murray, visibly agitated, warned employees of his intentions before crashing his vehicle through the dealership’s glass doors.
The Subaru barreled into the reception area, narrowly missing staff members and leaving behind shattered glass and extensive property damage. In the now-viral footage, Murray can be heard shouting profanities as he exited the vehicle.
He removed his jacket, checked to ensure no one was under the car, and walked out, leaving employees to deal with the chaos.
The crash caused approximately $10,000 in damage, including harm to another car inside the dealership. Police arrested Murray shortly after, charging him with felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor reckless endangerment.
Fortunately, no injuries were reported, though employees described the ordeal as sounding like an "explosion."
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A Violent Outburst Over a Refund Denial
A shocking scene unfolded in Sandy, Utah, when Michael Lee Murray drove his newly purchased Subaru Outback through the glass doors of a car dealership after his refund request was denied. Murray, 35, had purchased the car earlier that day from Tim Dale Mazda Southtowne but returned hours later, claiming the vehicle was defective and demanding his money back.
Witnesses reported that when staff refused his request, Murray became visibly angry and warned them of his intentions. Moments later, he followed through, plowing his car through the dealership’s entrance.
The crash sent shards of glass flying and caused employees to scramble out of the way. Video footage captured Murray yelling profanities as he exited the vehicle, checking to ensure no one was under the car, then leaving the scene.
The crash caused an estimated $10,000 in damage, including harm to another car inside the store. Police later arrested Murray, charging him with felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor reckless endangerment. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
KUTVSubaru’s Reputation Versus the Incident
Subaru, known for its reliable and durable vehicles, is a favorite among adventure seekers and families alike. The Subaru Outback, Murray’s vehicle, is particularly popular for its all-wheel-drive system, safety features, and off-road capabilities.
In 2023, Subaru was ranked among the top automakers for customer loyalty, largely due to its vehicles’ longevity and performance. While the circumstances of Murray’s claims about his car remain unclear, Subaru’s reputation as a trustworthy brand contrasts sharply with the incident.
KUTV
Murray later admitted that his actions stemmed from frustration and a momentary lapse of judgment. Employees described the crash as sounding like an "explosion," with glass and debris strewn across the dealership. His actions serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked anger and the need for calmer conflict resolution.
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Emotional outbursts like the one exhibited by Michael Lee Murray can often stem from unresolved frustration and stress. According to Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar, a prominent positive psychology expert, individuals frequently misplace their anger onto situations that symbolize larger frustrations in their lives. In this case, the denied refund may have acted as a trigger for deeper emotional issues.
Dr. Ben-Shahar suggests that developing emotional intelligence can help individuals manage their reactions more constructively by improving their ability to recognize triggers and respond appropriately.
Financial experts often stress the importance of consumer education when it comes to major purchases like cars. Liz Weston, a well-known financial columnist, emphasizes that understanding consumer rights can prevent situations from escalating into dramatic responses, such as Murray's incident. She advises buyers to familiarize themselves with lemon laws and dealership return policies before making a purchase.
Implementing these proactive measures can lead to better decision-making and reduce frustration when facing unexpected issues, enabling consumers to approach businesses with confidence and clarity.
Clinical Perspective & Next Steps
This incident serves as a reminder of the intense emotions tied to significant financial transactions and the need for effective communication in such scenarios. Experts like Dr. Tal Ben-Shahar and Liz Weston highlight the importance of emotional awareness and consumer education, respectively. By cultivating emotional intelligence and understanding consumer rights, individuals can navigate financial decisions more smoothly, reducing the likelihood of explosive reactions. Ultimately, fostering open dialogue and proactive education can transform potentially volatile disputes into constructive discussions.
