CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) A 21-year-old Culpeper man was arrested Saturday after driving an SUV into a crowd of “No Kings” demonstrators leaving an event in Culpeper, according to a release from Culpeper Police Department, striking at least one person.
Police observed the incident and arrested Joseph R. Checklick Jr., charging him with reckless driving. He is being held at the Culpeper County Jail without bond. Additional charges may be filed, according to the statement.
“As participants were leaving the area and crossing the business parking lot, law enforcement observed an SUV vehicle drive recklessly through the crowd of pedestrians,” the statement said. “Based on the preliminary investigation, it was determined that Checklick Jr intentionally accelerated his vehicle into the dispersing crowd, striking at least one person with his vehicle.”
No injuries were reported.
Over 600 people turned out to demonstrate at two different locations for rallies organized by the Culpeper County Democratic Committee on Saturday, eclipsing the turnout for that group’s April “Hands Off” demonstration by a few hundred, said Dan Else, an organizer with the committee.
Police ask that anyone who witnessed or was involved in this incident, or may have documented it, 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.org.