On June 14, 2025 Culpeper Police Department officers were in the area of 801 James Madison Hwy monitoring the conclusion of a lawful protest event. 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. 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.

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. At this time, no injuries were reported to law enforcement, nor has the person that Checklick Jr struck with his vehicle been identified by law enforcement. As a result of this incident, the Culpeper Police Department arrested and charged Checklick Jr with Reckless Driving. Checklick Jr appeared before a magistrate and was held without bond at the Culpeper County Jail. Additional charges may be filed in the future.

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.

Attached Photos: Checklick, Joseph R. Jr, 21, of Culpeper, VA

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Contact: Master Police Officer Julia Cole

Email: JCole@culpeperva.gov

Phone: 540-829-5525

June 14, 2025

JC-2025-14