Dad of CarMax salesman killed in test drive says no forgiveness for driver

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Thursday, February 25, 2016
Alex Demetro (left) crashed a Corvette into a tree during a test drive in Ontario Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, killing CarMax salesman Warren Smale (right).
Alex Demetro (left) crashed a Corvette into a tree during a test drive in Ontario Tuesday, Feb. 23, 2016, killing CarMax salesman Warren Smale (right).
KABC

ONTARIO, Calif. -- Family members and colleagues mourned the death of an Ontario car salesman after he was killed during a test drive on Tuesday.

Warren Smale, 43, died when the Chevrolet Corvette a customer was test driving crashed into a tree less than a mile from the CarMax dealership.

The driver, 28-year-old Alex Demetro, was questioned by police and later arrested on suspicion of gross vehicular manslaughter, and driving under the influence of drugs.

The victim's father, Dennis Smale, told ABC11's sister-station KABC by phone from his Pennsylvania home that he will not offer any forgiveness for Demetro.

"There's no forgiveness. When you take drugs, you know what you're doing," Dennis Smale said.

Dennis Smale said his son lived in Montclair with his partner.

"One of the best kids you can have," he said.

Ontario police said the crash happened on Mercedes Lane south of Concours Street at about 12:45 p.m. Authorities stated the car was traveling at a high rate of speed when it hit a tree.

Warren Smale was rushed to San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland in critical condition, but died from his injuries. His father said Warren Smale will be dearly missed by family and friends.

"Fun, always knew what he wanted, always knew how to make you happy," Dennis Smale said.

In a statement released on Tuesday, CarMax said, "Today is an incredibly sad day for the CarMax family. Our hearts and prayers go out to our colleague's family. CarMax is working closely with local authorities."

All day Wednesday, coworkers and friends stopped by the scene of the crash where a makeshift memorial was set up in Warren Smale's honor.

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