A Milwaukee man has been charged after allegedly assaulting an elderly public bus driver multiple times, telling authorities he did it because he was “having a bad day.” Anthony Miller, 23, faces charges of battery of a public transit operator and physical abuse of an elderly person, intentionally causing bodily harm, according to Milwaukee County court records.
The incident took place on July 18. Authorities say Miller initially exited a Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus at around 10:30 a.m., but then returned aggressively, believing the driver had taken his phone. According to a criminal complaint reviewed by local Fox affiliate WITI, the 72-year-old bus driver told police that Miller “forced his way back onto the bus, pushing in the door and began yelling at (the bus driver) asking where his phone was.”
The complaint continues that Miller “forced himself past the security plexiglass protecting (the bus driver) and began striking (the bus driver) in the face with a closed fist approximately 20 times.” The driver suffered a 4-inch laceration on his forehead requiring four stitches, as well as swelling and pain across his face and head. After the attack, Miller left the scene.
Police arrived shortly after at Teutonia and Florist avenues following reports of an assaulted bus driver. Surveillance footage helped authorities identify Miller as the suspect. During a Wednesday interview with investigators, Miller reportedly admitted involvement in the incident.
According to police, he said his actions were due to “having a bad day,” explaining, “having to come up with rent and having his car being stolen,” and believed the bus driver had his phone. He further told authorities, “The bus driver assaulted him, so he assaulted the bus driver back,” though he could not recall exactly how many times he struck the driver.
Miller was arrested on Wednesday and is being held on $5,000 bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 25. The attack has drawn attention to the safety of public transit workers and sparked outrage in the community, as authorities emphasize the seriousness of assaults against elderly individuals and public service operators. The case also highlights how personal frustrations can quickly escalate into violent acts with serious consequences.