Bogdan Vechirko drove an 18-wheeler truck into a large group of people who were peacefully protesting on Sunday on a Minneapolis highway.
The truck driver drove past protesters gathered on the shoulder, then stopped just short of hitting people in his path.
He eventually stopped and was beaten up when he exited the empty tanker truck.
Authorities did not explain why driving on a completely empty I-35 freeway didn't raise any red flags to Vechirko.
According to Business Insider, Vechirko has been released from jail, acquitted of assault charges.
Minnesota state officials said the 35-year-old acted foolishly but did not intend to harm anyone.