A Virginia man was arrested Saturday after police said he drove an SUV into a crowd of protesters at the conclusion of a "No Kings" rally in Culpeper.
21-year-old Joseph R. Checklick Jr was taken into custody by the Culpeper Police Department following the incident, which occurred in a Walmart parking lot where the protest was ending. The event, sponsored by Culpeper Democrats, was part of the nationwide series of anti-Trump and anti-ICE rallies held over the weekend.
As participants were dispersing from the event, Checklick "intentionally accelerated his vehicle into the dispersing crowd,” police said. One person was struck by the SUV, though initial reports indicated no injuries. Authorities said the investigation remains ongoing.
Checklick was arrested for reckless driving following a traffic stop shortly after the incident. The individual who was struck by the vehicle has not been identified by law enforcement.
"Given the dangerous driving behavior observed, officers conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle and identified the driver as Joseph R. Checklick Jr., 21, of Culpeper," police said.
Checklick appeared before a magistrate and was denied bond. Police noted that additional charges are possible pending the investigation.
It is unclear the total number of people who were in the crowd at the time of the incident. According to the Washington Post, Culpeper Police Officer Julia Schoelwer stated that approximately 600 people attended the demonstration.
"We thank the Culpeper Police Department for their quick response and for keeping our protest safe,” Culpeper Democrats posted on Facebook Saturday.
