A 21-year-old Milwaukee man is facing multiple charges after police say he emerged from an open manhole near Fiserv Forum, confronted shuttle bus drivers and later knocked a 63-year-old driver unconscious.
The incident happened late Sept. 13 near Juneau Avenue, outside Fiserv Forum in downtown Milwaukee. According to the criminal complaint, witnesses reported seeing Alandis Tribblett moving in and out of a manhole for roughly 30 minutes while causing a disturbance and striking parked shuttle vans.
Police said Tribblett approached one of the shuttle drivers and questioned her while she was using her phone. The driver told investigators that he threatened to kill her if she used the phone to call someone.
A second driver, identified as a 63-year-old man, then went over to check on his coworker. Investigators say Tribblett punched the man, causing him to strike his head against a shuttle van. The driver fell unconscious and was later found underneath the vehicle with blood around his mouth.
The injured driver later told police that he remembered Tribblett asking whether there were children inside the vans. He did not remember the assault itself and said his next memory was waking up beneath the vehicle.
The complaint also describes Tribblett making statements about underground tunnels and child trafficking while he was near the open manhole. Police said he initially refused commands to put his hands behind his back before additional officers arrived and took him into custody.
After the arrest, Tribblett was taken to a hospital for medical clearance. Police allege that he bit an officer’s gloved hand while there, leaving the officer with a bruise.
The 63-year-old driver was treated for his injuries and is recovering. John Roots, owner of Natty Oaks, said the employee suffered significant bruising involving his ribs, jaw and head. The business has also said it is adding security measures for its shuttle operation, including plans for additional cameras inside and outside its vehicles.
Tribblett faces charges including battery, disorderly conduct and resisting or obstructing an officer. He remains in custody in Milwaukee County, and his next court appearance is scheduled for Nov. 4. The allegations have not been proven in court.
The incident has prompted additional attention to security around shuttle operations near Fiserv Forum, particularly for drivers working late-night events in the area.
