Driver Arrested After Going Around Barricade and Through Rincon Parade Saturday

During Rincon’s Freedom Rings Parade on Saturday, Anthony Rodriguez drove a vehicle around a barricade into the parade route toward participants and parade goers. Officers attempted to stop the vehicle, and Rincon’s K9 unit was successful after going head on into the vehicle. Rodriguez was arrested and taken to the Effingham County Jail.

From Rincon Police Department June 25, 2022:

Just after 10:20 this morning, during the Freedom Rings parade, a vehicle purposely drove around a manned barricade and headed straight toward pedestrians on the parade route. Two more officers attempted to stop the vehicle and the driver continued around them, narrowly missing bystanders.

The driver, 38 -year-old Anthony RODRIGUEZ (per the drivers Georgia DL) 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 Rincon K-9 Officer Gallagher went head-on into the suspect vehicle at Fort Howard and Wind Song Drive. Shockingly, 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 Anthony RODRIGUEZ was transported to the Effingham County Jail and will likely face numerous charges of aggravated assault. Investigators have not determined a motive yet.
If you have video or a statement about this incident, please contact the Rincon Police Department Monday at 912-826-5200.