A California CarMax salesman was killed Tuesday when a customer, accused of being under the influence of drugs, crashed a Corvette during a test drive in Ontario, police said.
The 28-year-old driver, identified as Alex Demetro of Union City by police, was arrested on suspicion of vehicular manslaughter and driving under the influence of drugs, according to the Ontario Police Department.
Officers responded to a crash on Mercedes Drive south of Concours Street just before 1 p.m. The red Corvette smashed into a tree and the two inside were taken to San Antonio Community Hospital.
The customer and salesman were on a test drive in the red Corvette, which witnesses told police they saw speeding. Investigators said the driver lost control and crashed into a tree.
The 43-year-old salesman, of Montclair, was pronounced dead at the hospital. Friends and co-workers gathered at the crash site Tuesday night to mourn identified him as Warren Smale.
"Today is an incredibly sad day for the CarMax family. Our hearts and prayers go out to our associate's family. CarMax is working closely with the authorities on the investigation. Please refer any questions to them at this time," CarMax said in a statement following the salesman's death.
Mourners at the crash site said they were "numb," and many employees said they worry that customers drive too recklessly on test drives.
East Bay
Jail records show Demetro was released early Wednesday after posting bond. A court date was not immediately scheduled, according to the San Bernardino County jail records.
It was not immediately clear if he had an attorney.
Anyone with information on the crash was encouraged to call Ontario police at 909-395-4646.
