Driver charged after allegedly hitting protester in Memphis with car

A Memphis driver has been with Reckless Endangerment and Reckless Driving after he allegedly hit a protester with his car on June 5.

According to a release from the Memphis Police Department officers answered a call about a crash at Young Avenue east of Blythe Street about 7:40 p.m. Upon arrival, officers said a victim informed them she was participating in a protest when a car struck her, attempting to get through the crowd.

The crash reportedly took place while the protester was walking westbound on the roadway on Young Avenue . The victim stated a Chevrolet Tahoe driven by 18-year-old Anthony Marcuzzo struck her with his car while trying to drive through the group.

The victim was then taken to Methodist University in non-critical condition. Other people protesting informed police they were also struck by the vehicle, but they refused medical attention and continued the protests.

After a preliminary investigation was carried out on the scene by MPD, 18-year-old Anthony Marcuzzo was arrested and issued a citation for no driver’s license and inappropriate passing.

After gathering more evidence and presenting it to the District Attorney’s Office on June 6, MPD sated Marcuzzo is charged with four counts of Reckless Endangerment and one count of Reckless Driving.

MPD reported that another incident like this one happened on June 5 where a black Nissan Juke turned from westbound Central to northbound Cooper and drove through a crowd of protest participants. There were no injuries, but officers arrested the driver, 26-year-old Beau Albauer, and carried out an on-scene investigation.

Albauer was issued a a citation for running a red light.This investigation remains ongoing and Albauer could face more charges.