Wisconsin Woman Sentenced to Prison After Attacking Bus Driver, Causing Crash Into Restaurant
MADISON, WISCONSIN — A 26-year-old woman has been sentenced to three years in prison after a violent outburst on a Madison Metro bus earlier this year led to a crash into a restaurant building, injuring two people, including the driver.
Attack Caught on Video
Newly released video footage shows the moment Raeven Johnson assaulted the bus driver during a February 25 route. According to prosecutors, Johnson became enraged after being told the bus wouldn’t reach her intended destination. Without warning, she began striking the driver while the bus was still moving.
As the attack continued, the driver lost control, crashing the vehicle into a nearby restaurant. The impact injured both the driver and another passenger — one of whom required hospitalization. Despite the collision, Johnson reportedly kept hitting the driver even after the bus came to a stop.
Video Source: Local12.com
Court Ruling and Sentencing
In August, Johnson pleaded guilty to second-degree recklessly endangering safety and attempted battery to a public transit officer. She was sentenced to three years in prison and an additional three years of extended supervision.
As part of her sentencing, Johnson has been banned from all Madison Metro Transit properties, including buses and terminals.
Authorities Condemn the Attack
Local transit officials and prosecutors called the incident a disturbing act of violence against a public service worker. “This kind of aggression puts innocent lives at risk and will not be tolerated,” one official said following the sentencing.
The Madison Police Department emphasized that assaults on public transit employees have risen nationwide, prompting calls for stricter safety measures, including protective shields for drivers and enhanced camera surveillance on city buses.
A Reminder of Rising Transit Violence
The shocking footage has reignited debate online about the dangers faced by transit workers and the need for de-escalation protocols. Many social media users expressed support for the injured driver, calling him “a hero for keeping control as long as he did.”
Johnson will serve her sentence in a Wisconsin state correctional facility, followed by three years of supervised release.
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