Former bus driver: I was fired for defending myself

MILWAUKEE -- It was an altercation shared by hundreds that ultimately lead to Alvin Bates losing his job after twenty-nine years with Milwaukee County Transit System.

"I was fired for basically for defending myself. If I had initiated the situation, I could understand it," said Alvin Bates.

It was two months ago when Bates pulled up to the bus stop at 12th and Wisconsin Avenue. Surveillance video captures a young man leaning into the doorway, yelling back at his friend on board.

"I thought I asked the guy nicely...could you please exit the bus so I can proceed. Then he called me out of my name. I responded."

Bates admits the derogatory word he used referring to the man's sexual orientation was inappropriate. After that exchange of words, it escalated quickly.

"When he spat in my face I kind of lost it. I don’t know anyone [who] could tell me they wouldn't respond...sit there and ignore that."

The camera shows Bates spitting back. Passengers then pulled out their cell phones and recorded the fist fight that continued into the streets. Bates believes he should have been reprimanded for his actions, but questions if he should have lost his job over the altercation.

"Being spat upon is assault. They have signs posted on the busses saying it is punishable by a $10,000 fine and two years in prison, or both."

I asked if he would have done things differently now, knowing the outcome.

"You always look back and say there was something you could have done differently. But like I say I just reacted it happened so fast."

MCTS spokesperson Brendan Conway says Bates was fired for violating numerous MCTS rules and policies.  Conway says Bates and the other person were given citations by the Milwaukee Police Department.  He added that MCTS encourages police and the district attorney to take all instances of anyone assaulting a passenger very seriously and to pursue all legal avenues.