RI State Sen. Joshua Miller Facing New Charge In SUV-Keying Case

CRANSTON, RI — Rhode Island state Sen. Joshua Miller (D-Cranston, Providence), is facing an additional charge in connection to Cranston police saying he keyed a man's SUV with a "Biden Sucks" bumper sticker on it last month.

Miller, who was previously charged with vandalism/malicious injury to property, will be charged with obstruction of a police officer at his arraignment Tuesday at Third District Court in Warwick, Cranston City Solicitor Christopher Millea, told the Providence Journal on Wednesday.

Police said the incident happened on June 22, in the Garden City Center parking lot. The SUV's owner and passenger told police they were walking back to their car when they heard a scratching noise and saw Miller with a key in his hand. Police said the SUV owner noticed a long scratch on the vehicle's door, so the man asked Miller if he had keyed his car.

Miller denied keying the SUV and walked away, according to police.

About two hours after the SUV owner filed a police report, officers found Miller and questioned him about the incident. According to police, Miller denied damaging the vehicle and said the man threatened him verbally.

According to police, Miller also told the officer who stopped him that he had recently been stalked and threatened by "gun nuts." Police said Miller believed the SUV driver may have recognized hi as a state senator and threatened him for that reason.

Miller told the officers to call Police Chief Michael Winquist. Winquist was aware of the threats and was patrolling near Miller's home but said the state senator never reported any threats.

Later on, police reviewed Garden City Center security video and said Miller was seen next to the damaged vehicle.

Police said they confronted Miller with the new evidence, and he admitted to keying the SUV. Miller said he damaged the SUV because the owner "yelled at him" and "dared him" to do it, according to police.

Following, the additional charge levied against Miller, the Republican Party of Rhode Island has called on the Democratic state senator to resign.

"Unfortunately, this is not the first time the senator has retaliated against someone he disagrees with politically," party Chairman Joe Powers said. "Whether it's verbal attacks or, in this case, damage to personal property, Miller has shown disregard for anyone that is not aligned with his own party. He is failing to represent every constituent in his district. Now that an additional charge of obstruction will be filed against Miller, he must do the right thing for his constituents.
It's Miller’s time to resign."

Miller was arraigned by a justice of the peace and was released on $1,000 personal recognizance. He is scheduled to be at Third District Court in Warwick for a re-arraignment on July 18.

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