APACHE JUNCTION, Ariz. — Despite what they went through less than a week ago, the Roadhouse Ranglers were back on stage performing in Apache Junction.
At VFW Post 7968, the band played a three hour set and the crowd was more than happy to see them.
Especially since one of the band members, Sam Chunn suffered a broken foot when a suspected drunk driver crashed into the last venue they played at.
"I heard a blast like a bomb, just a big boom and I looked over my shoulder, saw the truck, this truck coming toward all the people," Chunn said.
Last Saturday at the Elks Lodge, Roadhouse Ranglers were playing during a packed open mic night. It was around 8:30 p.m. when Apache Junction Police said Thomas Kain, 73, drove right into the building and injured 30 people. About 10, including Chunn, were taken to the hospital. Police said Kain was intoxicated when he got behind the wheel.
"He was plowing everybody over, going too fast, just crazy," Chunn said.
Fortunately no was killed.
The impact sent debris everywhere inside and knocked over Chunn. When he tried to stand up, he said his foot wouldn't let him. It turns out his foot was fractured.
At the same time, he could hear people screaming and said the truck's engine was revving, Chunn recalled seeing a woman trapped underneath the vehicle and a man bleeding from his face. His thoughts then turned to his wife who was sitting at the bar when the crash happened.
"I saw she was okay, and I just thank God for that moment," he said.
Being a local band, Chunn said he knew about half of the people who attended that night.
"One friend of mine got her her elbow caught and her shoulder caught by the mirror as he drove by," he said.
Chunn said he even knew the accused drunk driver.
“I've known Tom for 30 years," Chunn said.
Police arrested Kain and he was booked into the Pinal County jail on suspicion of 12 counts of aggravated assault, 17 counts of endangerment and DUI. Police said more charges are expected.
Chunn said he is grateful no one was killed in this situation and hopes everyone is doing okay. That includes the man suspected of causing the chaos.
"If I had a chance to talk to Tom and I will, I will. I just, you know, I forgive him for whatever he did," Chunn said.