A 23-year-old Milwaukee man is facing serious charges after allegedly punching a 72-year-old public bus driver dozens of times, reportedly because he was “having a bad day” and thought the driver had taken his lost phone.
The incident happened on July 18 and has led to public outrage over the violent treatment of a senior citizen and transit worker.
Suspect Identified as Anthony Miller
According to Milwaukee County court records, the suspect, Anthony Miller, has been charged with:
Battery to a public transit operator
Physical abuse of an elderly person – intentionally causing bodily harm
These are both felony charges under Wisconsin law, carrying potential prison time if convicted.
Attack Unfolds on Milwaukee County Transit Bus
The shocking incident occurred around 10:30 a.m. when Miller exited a Milwaukee County Transit System (MCTS) bus. But shortly after getting off, he reportedly forced his way back onto the bus, yelling at the driver and demanding to know where his phone was.
According to the criminal complaint, Miller pushed open the door, breached the security plexiglass surrounding the driver’s seat, and began punching the elderly driver in the face — around 20 times.
Bus Driver Seriously Injured
The 72-year-old bus driver sustained significant injuries, including:
A 4-inch laceration on his forehead that required four stitches
Swelling and pain across his face and head
After the brutal attack, Miller fled the scene.
Police Use Surveillance Video to Track Down Suspect
Milwaukee police responded to reports of the assault at the intersection of Teutonia and Florist avenues. Surveillance footage from the bus helped detectives quickly identify Miller as the suspect.
He was interviewed by police on Wednesday and admitted to being involved in the altercation. According to investigators, Miller claimed he was under stress from recent personal struggles — including his car being stolen and having to come up with rent money — and lost his phone shortly after exiting the bus.
Believing the driver may have taken it, he returned in anger. Miller told police that he thought the driver had assaulted him first, so he hit him back, though he couldn’t remember how many times he struck him.
Legal Proceedings Underway
Miller was arrested on Wednesday and is currently being held on $5,000 bail. He is expected to appear in court for a preliminary hearing on August 25.
The Milwaukee County Transit System and local authorities have not commented in detail but are expected to review security protocols and safety measures for bus drivers following the assault.
What This Means for Public Transit Safety
This violent attack highlights the ongoing safety challenges faced by public transit operators, particularly those who are elderly or working alone. Assaults on bus drivers have become a rising concern in many U.S. cities, with workers calling for more protective barriers, increased penalties for assaults, and greater mental health support for riders.
The alleged attack on a senior Milwaukee bus driver is a chilling example of how quickly a stressful situation can spiral into violence. While Anthony Miller cited personal hardships and a lost phone as his triggers, authorities say there is no justification for the brutal and unprovoked assault of a public worker simply doing his job. As Miller awaits his court date, the community continues to support the injured driver and call for stronger protections for those serving on the front lines of public transit.
