CULPEPER, Va. — A Culpeper man is in custody after driving his vehicle into a crowd on Saturday.
According to a media release from the Culpeper Police Department (CPD), officers were already in the 800 block of Madison Highway monitoring a lawful “No Kings” protest event on June 14, 2025.
As participants were leaving the area, officers observed a vehicle driving recklessly through the crowd of pedestrians. Officers immediately conducted a traffic stop on the vehicle.
The driver was identified as Joseph R. Checklick, Jr.
Based on the preliminary investigation, it was determined that Checklick, 21, intentionally accelerated his vehicle into the crowd, striking at least one person.
CPD officers arrested and charged Checklick with reckless driving. He appeared before a magistrate and is being held without bond at the Culpeper County Jail. Additional charges may be filed.
At the time of the media release, no injuries had been reported to CPD. Officers have not yet identified the person who was struck by Checklick’s vehicle.
This investigation remains active and ongoing.
Anyone who witnessed or was involved in this 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.org.
The “No Kings” protest was a nationwide day of defiance and action held on June 14, 2025, against the Trump administration. The movement, also known as the 50501 Movement (50 states, 50 protests, one movement), aimed to reject authoritarianism and stand for democracy, coinciding with a military parade in Washington, D.C. celebrating the U.S. Army’s 250th anniversary and President Trump’s 79th birthday.
