Man Arrested After Driving Into Crowd of Protesters in Culpeper
- BTW21
- 1 minute ago
- 1 min read
CULPEPER COUNTY, Va. (BTW21) — A man is in custody after allegedly driving his SUV into a group of protesters in Culpeper on Saturday, striking one individual, according to the Culpeper Police Department.
Authorities say the incident occurred near 801 James Madison Highway during a dispersing protest organized by the group "No Kings."
Preliminary reports indicate that 21-year-old Joseph R. Checklick Jr. intentionally accelerated his vehicle toward the crowd.
One person was struck, though no injuries have been reported at this time, and the individual has not yet been publicly identified.
Checklick Jr. was arrested and charged with reckless driving. He is being held without bond at the Culpeper County Jail.
Police say the investigation is ongoing and that additional charges may be forthcoming.
Officials are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has video footage to contact Detective Payne at 540-829-5530 or email tips@culpeperva.gov.