VA Man Charged With Driving His Vehicle Into Crowd At Protest, Striking 1

CULPEPER, VA — A Culpeper man was arrested Saturday morning after intentionally driving into a crowd of protesters, striking at least one, police said.

According to the Town of Culpeper Police Department, officers were in the area of James Madison Highway, monitoring the conclusion of a lawful protest event. As participants were leaving the area and crossing the business parking lot, law enforcement officers saw the driver of an SUV heading recklessly through the crowd of pedestrians, police said.

Given the dangerous driving behavior observed, officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and identified the driver as Joseph R. Checklick Jr., 21, police said.

Investigators determined Checklick intentionally accelerated his vehicle into the dispersing crowd, striking at least one person, police said.

No injuries were reported to law enforcement, nor has the person that Checklick struck with his vehicle been identified by law enforcement, police said.

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As a result of the incident, the Culpeper Police Department arrested and charged Checklick with reckless driving, police said.

NBC Washington said the incident happened at a No Kings protest, one of thousands held Saturday to protest Trump Administration policies.

Checklick appeared before a magistrate and was held without bond at the Culpeper County Jail; additional charges may be filed in the future, police said.

The investigation remains active and ongoing. Anyone who witnessed or was involved in the incident, or may have documented it, is asked to contact Det. Payne at 540-829-5530 or email tips@culpeperva.gov. Callers who wish to remain anonymous can submit tips by calling Culpeper Crime Solvers at 540-727-0300 or submitting an online tip at culpeperpd.

The Culpeper Democrats commented on the incident on Facebook: "Thank you to Culpeper Police Department for your quick response and for keeping our protest safe!"