A Rhode Island senator was arrested after allegedly vandalizing an automobile that had a bumper sticker saying “Biden Sucks”. He claimed he did it because the victim “dared him” to.
According to police, Sen. Joshua Miller (69) was seen in surveillance footage last Thursday keying a vehicle at the Garden City Center, Cranston, Rhode Island.
The unidentified son told police that he heard a scratching sound while walking back to the SUV of the owner and saw Miller holding the keys. Miller was asked if he had keyed the car. He denied it and walked off.
According to the body camera footage, when Miller was approached by police about two hours after the incident, he denied having vandalized the vehicle. He also allowed the police to examine his keys for signs of paint transfer.
Miller told the police that he believed the victim was him, and one of those “gun nuts”, who he claimed were stalking him because he sponsored anti-gun legislation. Miller also claimed that the victim had made threats towards him.
Miller stated, “He blocked my way and said that I scratched the car. I did not scratch his car.” I’m a senator from the state, and I believe he recognized me. I think he is one of those gun nuts.
Miller also mentions police Col. Michael Winquist, telling the police to contact him because he knew about the threats made against Miller by “gun nuts.”
In a social media press release, the Cranston Police Department refuted his claim.
The statement states that “Mr. Miller has never reported any threats against Colonel Winquist, or any member Cranston Police Department.”
Winquist said in the press release that “nobody is above the law, not even those who make or enforce laws.” “The officers who conducted this investigation acted with integrity and fairness.” “They did not show any preference.”
Miller was elected to this position in 2006 and represents the District 28 (where the incident occurred). He is also the Senate Democrat Policy Chairman and heads the Senate Health and Human Services Committee. Miller sponsored Senate Bill 379. Introduced on February 16, 2023, it bans the sale, possession, and transfer of assault rifles.
In a video taken by the Cranston police department, the victim returns to the scene of the crime and names Miller as the perpetrator. Miller was not recognized by the victim as a legislator. When initially reporting the incident, his mother said that she thought the vandal did not like her bumper sticker “Biden Sucks”.
According to the press release, the victim saw Miller’s “Reelect Senator John Miller”, bumper sticker on his vehicle. This led him to search for the senator’s name online and realize that Miller is the person he just met.
The officers released Miller initially until they had access to the security footage. However, once they saw it, they confirmed that it was in line with what the witness said.
Miller was questioned by police at his home about the video. Miller admits to the vandalism in another video of body-cam footage. He claims that he had been threatened by the victim and that the victim “dared” him to steal his car.
What’s your reason for re-keying the car? A police officer is heard in the video asking this question.
Miller replied, “Because basically, he dared me to.”
Miller went to the station voluntarily and was charged with vandalism/malicious damage to property. Miller was charged and released with a $1,000 personal recognizance. On July 18, 2023, he will be arraigned again.
Miller failed to respond in time for publication when contacted for a comment.
