PETERSBURG, Va. (WRIC) — Petersburg police are investigating after bystanders were seen throwing water bottles at vehicles as they passed by during Saturday’s Confederate flag run.
Chris and Angela Grey were in one of the trucks that was struck.
“It was a loud thump,” Angela told 8News reporter Claudia Rupcich.
The water bottle actually made a dent on the side of the truck.
“I was mad because we went there peacefully, we were doing a peaceful ride and we were met with this,” Angela added. “People throwing bottles at our vehicles, our property that we worked hard for.”
But that’s not what upset the Oliver’s the most.
“The racial slurs is really what hurt me,” Chris said. “It’s uncalled for; there’s no need for that in today’s society.”
Bystanders can be heard screaming as cars drive by. We counted at least eight bottles hurled at drivers in the videos, which you can watch above.
In another video sent to 8News, A driver and a passenger appear to throw an athletic drink at an oncoming car.
“There’s no need for a violent protest.”
The police launched an investigation after the Oliver’s filed a police report.
Meanwhile, the Oliver’s have a message for those responsible.
“I want them to read a history book,” Chris said. “It’s much more than just a flag. My family fought for the Confederacy. I believe in what they fought for, they believe in what they though for. It wasn’t a fight about slavery, it was a fight about state’s rights.
