Man facing criminal charges after driving onto and endangering pedestrians along Cordele Christmas Parade route

CORDELE, Ga. – On Thursday, November 30th, 2023, at 6:30 pm, officers were at the intersection of 8th Ave and 7th St, blocking traffic for our annual Christmas Parade by Cordele Lions Club Parade. While at this intersection, officers encountered a motorist who drove around the parked patrol cars blocking the roadway. The patrol vehicles were parked with their blue lights on. Officers attempted to stop the driver and prevent his access to 7th St, but the driver ignored the officers and continued to travel North on 7th St while the parade was still going on. Officers were eventually successful in stopping the Honda Civic. The driver, was identified as thirty-one-year-old Cody Allen Beringause of Louisville, Ga.

Cody Beringause was arrested; his vehicle was towed, and he is facing several charges, including reckless driving and possession of a Schedule two drug.

Cordele Police said, “We are very thankful no one was hurt, as there were children and adults on foot in the area. We are proud of our officers for their quick actions in stopping the driver.”

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