Apache Junction police released surveillance video on Sept. 9 showing an SUV crashing into an Elks Lodge.
The crash injured 30 people and required 15 to be hospitalized.
The video begins with Lodge patrons — some seated, some milling about — moments before the vehicle bursts through a wall, immediately striking a seated group. The vehicle then plows through two empty tables before hitting a third with people at it before coming to a stop. Screams of shock and terror from patrons erupt as the vehicle’s engine continues to run.
The driver-side airbag appears to have been deployed. The remnants of someone’s drink run, foaming, down the vehicle’s hood, which does not appear to show much damage despite the collision.
Alcohol a factor behind the collision
Apache Junction police identified the driver as Thomas Edward Kain, 73, and said alcohol was a factor in the crash. The Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control is conducting its own investigation.
Lauren Reimer, a Pinal County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson, said Kain was booked into the Pinal County jail facility on a $45,000 bond on suspicion of 12 counts of aggravated assault with a deadly weapon, 17 counts of endangerment, and one count of DUI. Reimer said more charges could come after the investigation concludes and Kain’s blood results come in.
Reimer said a victim in critical condition was stable and improving.
Police and the Superstition Fire & Medical District responded to the accident at 2455 N. Apache Trail.
Apache police said Kain was at the Elks Lodge and got in his truck to leave when he accidentally drove into the building. The lodge was hosting a prime rib dinner.
The Apache Junction Elks Lodge posted on Facebook in response to the incident, expressing “heartfelt sympathy and support for all those impacted.”
Reach the reporter at perry.vandell@gannett.com.
This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Police release surveillance video of Elks Lodge crash that injured 30
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