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Driver arrested after driving into Rincon Freedom Parade
Anthony Rodriguez
Anthony Rodriguez, 39, was arrested after he plowed into the Rincon Freedom Parade.

A motorist allegedly drove into the Rincon Freedom Parade which was being held Saturday morning.

According to Congressman Buddy Carter’s assistant, Brooke Childers, who was riding in the parade with Carter, a motorist was driving in the opposite direction of the parade around 11 a.m.

Childers said law enforcement tried to stop the vehicle and broke one of the vehicle’s windows. Members of the Fort Stewart Third ID Marching Band who were participating in the parade just ahead of the Congressman’s car, had to scatter out of the way to avoid being hit by the vehicle.

Childers said the motorist who, appeared to be a female, drove past the vehicle she was in and continued on skirting the sidewalk.  Parade watchers were able to get out of the way and Childers said as far as she knew there have been no reported injuries at this time.

According to Effiingham County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer Gina Sullivan the driver has now been identified as 38 -year-old Anthony Rodriguez. 

Rodriguez allegedly continued down the parade route, heading straight for the Sheriff, Chief Deputy, Rincon Chief of Police, and Sgt., driving recklessly and literally splitting the 3rd ID Marching band in half, with participants diving out of the way. 

Rodriguez was finally stopped when  a Rincon K-9 Officer went head-on into the suspect vehicle at Fort Howard and Windsong Drive. Luckily none of the 600 + bystanders sustained serious injuries. The officer however is being evaluated at the hospital, his partner, K-9 officer Razor did not sustain any injuries. GSP is working the accident and the suspect was transported to the Effingham County Jail and will likely face numerous charges of aggravated assault. Investigators have not determined a motive yet. 


This is a developing story.

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