BOSTON, Nov. 17 (UPI) -- A homeless couple have been charged with a racially tinged attack on a Boston transit inspector who was escorting them out of a station.
Robert Snyder, 45, and Shayla Witts, 28, were arrested early Sunday. Investigators said the attack took place at the Massachusetts Bay Transit Authority's Downtown Crossing subway stop.
Witts told police "some black girl with attitude" ordered them out of the station. She used a racial epithet to describe the 29-year-old inspector, who told investigators he was in uniform at the time.
The inspector said that Snyder punched him and wrapped him in a bear hug. Witts, he said, then hit him and pulled at his hair.
Police said Snyder and Witts admitted what they had done, with Snyder smiling as he did so.
"I punched him a few times," he allegedly said.
Witts allegedly threatened the MBTA employees before Snyder attacked, saying he had spent 17 years in prison.
Police said Snyder and Witts appeared to be drunk. They said the inspector had a bloody nose when they arrived.
Witts and Snyder were scheduled to be arraigned Monday on charges of aggravated and simple assault on an MBTA employee.
