Two Milwaukee County Transit System bus drivers were assaulted early Friday morning (Dec. 26) in separate, unprovoked incidents along the same Blue Line route, according to court records and local reports from WISN and FOX6 News.
Authorities say the suspect, 38-year-old Christopher Jones, attacked both drivers within minutes of each other shortly before 5 a.m. in the area surrounding North 12th Street. Jones was arrested later that day and now faces multiple criminal charges.
The first assault occurred near 12th Street and Highland Avenue, where Jones allegedly boarded a bus and began speaking with the driver before suddenly punching her repeatedly in the head and face while she was operating the vehicle. Surveillance video aired by WISN shows the driver curling into a fetal position as she brought the bus to a stop. Prosecutors say Jones then removed one of her shoes, took off one of his own, and threw both at her before spitting on her and fleeing the bus.
Moments later, Jones boarded a second Blue Line bus near 12th Street and State Street, where he allegedly targeted a 62-year-old driver. Court documents state he reached over the driver’s protective partition, attempted to strike her, and then grabbed a small trash can, hitting her multiple times before exiting the bus.
Both buses were equipped with surveillance cameras that captured clear images of the suspect, including his clothing and face. Police later located Jones at Aurora Sinai Medical Center, a short distance from the incident locations, and arrested him without further incident.
Jones has been charged with two counts of battery against a public transit operator and one count of battery against an elderly person. He is being held on a $1,000 cash bond, and a court-ordered competency evaluation is underway to determine whether he is fit to stand trial.
The incidents come as concerns over transit safety continue to grow in Milwaukee. Earlier this year, the Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors approved roughly $600,000 in additional funding for uniformed security on MCTS buses, a measure set to take effect in 2026. The funding is intended to increase security presence on higher-risk routes and deter violent incidents involving drivers and passengers.
MCTS officials have stated that operator safety remains a top priority and that the agency is also exploring the installation of expanded protective barriers for drivers. While neither driver required hospitalization, authorities described the attacks as traumatic and emphasized that violence against transit workers will not be tolerated.
As of the end of December, the case against Jones remains active in Milwaukee County Court.
