Democratic State Senator Joshua Miller found himself on the wrong side of the law after being arrested and charged with vandalism and malicious injury to property. Local police took Senator Miller into custody following allegations that he had vandalized a vehicle with an “anti-Biden” sticker, parked at an outdoor shopping area in Garden City Center.
The incident occurred on Thursday afternoon when the owner of the SUV noticed a man standing near their vehicle, holding a keychain and gripping a single key. Confronted about the alleged damage, the suspect quickly walked away. The victim, a supporter of former President Donald Trump, later identified Senator Miller as the culprit after spotting a nearby vehicle adorned with a “Re-elect Senator Josh Miller” bumper sticker.
Initially denying the accusations, Miller took to social media to defend himself, claiming the victim was blocking his way and accusing him of scratching the car. In a video posted online, Miller asserted his innocence, stating, “I’m a state senator—I think he recognized me. I think he’s one of the gun nuts.”
However, Miller’s claims began to crumble when a local NBC affiliate approached him for a response. Caught off guard, the senator stated that he had to review the charges. It was later revealed that Miller had changed clothes at the scene in an apparent attempt to avoid identification. When questioned about removing his jacket, Miller defensively stated, “I took my jacket off—that’s not against the law.”
The turning point in the case came when police informed Miller that they had obtained video evidence of the incident. Subsequently, the senator voluntarily went to the police station, where he was charged with vandalism and malicious injury to property. He was released on a $1,000 personal recognizance bond.
Cranston Police Chief Michael Winquist emphasized that no one is above the law, including elected officials. In a news release, Chief Winquist commended his officers for conducting a fair and unbiased investigation.
“Nobody is above the law, including those who make and enforce the laws,” Winquist said in a news release Friday. “The officers who handled this investigation did so with fairness, integrity, and without preferential treatment.”
This recent arrest is not the first time Senator Miller has made headlines for controversial behavior. In the past, a video captured him responding aggressively to a constituent advocating for Second Amendment rights. Despite his previous controversies, Miller has held his position as a representative of Cranston and Providence since 2006.
Reacting to the arrest, Rhode Island GOP Chairman Joe Powers called for Miller’s resignation, citing the senator’s lack of composure and unbecoming behavior for a leader. Powers took to Twitter, stating, “State Senator Joshua Miller has proven once again that he does not have the composure required to represent every constituent in his district and must resign immediately.”
Senator Miller is expected to be formally arraigned in court on July 18, where he will face the charges brought against him.
Surveillance video shows the moments Senator Josh Miller is accused of keying an SUV with an anti-Biden sticker at Garden City
He first tells Cranston PD he didn’t do it, then when they show up at his house and say they have video, he admits to it @wpri12 https://t.co/Fn78uKFKrt pic.twitter.com/vt8Zw3sZD0
— Amanda Pitts (@AmandaPittsTV) June 23, 2023
