Democrat Lawmaker Arrested For “Keying” Vehicle

A Rhode Island state senator was arrested Thursday for allegedly vandalizing another individual’s vehicle at the Garden City Shopping Center in Cranston.

Cranston police said Sen. Joshua Miller, a Democrat, is accused of “keying” another individual’s SUV in the parking lot Thursday afternoon.

WPRI provided details:

The SUV’s owner and passenger told police they were walking back to their vehicle when they heard a loud scratching noise and saw a man with keys in his hand. After noticing a lengthy scratch on the door, they asked the man if he had keyed the vehicle, but he denied it and walked away.

Police said the victim identified Miller as the suspect, having looked him up online after seeing a “Re-Elect Josh Miller” sticker on the back of the truck parked next to theirs.

About two hours later, police located Miller, who again denied damaging the victim’s SUV. Miller also claimed the victim had threatened him, according to police, saying he thought the man was one of the “gun nuts” who’s allegedly been stalking him at the State House.

“He was blocking my way, saying I scratched his car, I didn’t scratch his car,” Miller said in police bodycam footage posted by ABC 6 News.

“I’m a state senator, I think he recognized me. I think he’s one of the gun nuts. He called out my name. I never told him my name,” he added.

Police said Miller was seen standing on the passenger sidewalk, gripping a key in his hand.

Cont. from WPRI:

The victim was called back to the scene and confirmed Miller was the man they saw near their vehicle, police said. Officers then reviewed surveillance video, which was consistent with the victim’s account.

Police later confronted Miller with that evidence at his home. He admitted to vandalizing the vehicle, police said, further claiming its owner had been yelling at him and “dared him” to do it.

Police took the Democrat lawmaker into custody and charged him with a misdemeanor vandalism charge.

In an email Friday, Sen. Joshua Miller’s attorney John MacDonald stated, “On behalf of Joshua Miller, there will be no comment in this matter until court proceedings are concluded.”https://t.co/RRc7aXFVeV

— Rhode Island Current (@RICurrent) June 24, 2023

ABC 6 News reports:

Miller was charged with vandalism/malicious injury to property. He was arraigned by a Justice of the Peace and released on $1,000 personal recognizance.

ABC 6 News reached out to Miller’s lawyer for comment, but was told, “There will be no comment in his matter until court proceedings are concluded.”

“This behavior is unbecoming of anyone holding a leadership position. State Senator Joshua Miller has proven once again the he does not have the composure required to represent every constituent in his district and must resign immediately,” Rhode Island GOP Chairman Joe Powers said.

This behavior is unbecoming of anyone holding a leadership position. State Senator Joshua Miller has proven once again the he does not have the composure required to represent every constituent in his district and must resign immediately. https://t.co/MZdKqm13kT

— Joe Powers (@RIGOPChairman) June 23, 2023

U.S. Senate candidate Raymond T. McKay also called on Miller to resign and called for Senator Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) to return campaign donations given to him by Miller.

U.S. Senate candidate @McKay_Senate called for Joshua Miller to resign from his Rhode Island General Assembly position.https://t.co/hZbPN3HWFi

— ABC6 News Desk (@ABC6) June 24, 2023

There is no room for the haters in American politics . . . You agree to disagree and move on . . . Damaging someone's personal property is bullying / brainwashing / fearmongering tactics . . . Stay with our side, or else – Disgraceful! – Senator Miller should resign today!… pic.twitter.com/avIfHRfQ5V

— Raymond T McKay (@McKay_Senate) June 24, 2023

From ABC 6 News:

A candidate challenging Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse for his Senate seat released a statement calling for Cranston Senator Josh Miller to resign.

Warwick resident Raymond McKay’s statement called for Whitehouse to return campaign donations given to him by Miller.

Miller is accused of keying a car in Garden City Center that had a “Biden Sucks” sticker on the back. he has been charged with vandalism and malicious injury.

McKay’s statement said that FEC filings show Miller had donated $1,615 to Whitehouse’s campaign.

“Sheldon Whitehouse should first condemn State Senator Josh Miller’s actions and then return his campaign donations so Senator Josh Miller can pay for the damages he inflicted,” McKay said.

He added in a tweet that everyone should be able to share their political views without being assaulted and that Miller should resign his position as a legislator.