Man arrested for hate crime at Palo Alto Transit Center

PALO ALTO, Calif. (KRON) — Palo Alto Police Department (PAPD) said they arrested a 63-year-old man on Sunday after two violent incidents at the Palo Alto Transit Center.

Charles Murphy, of East Palo Alto, allegedly approached two men, shouting slurs at one and assaulting both, said PAPD. The first incident involved a Hispanic man in his twenties who was seated at the bus platform. Murphy reportedly “yelled derogatory remarks about Mexicans” and punched the man multiple times, causing minor injuries, said police.

In a second incident, Murphy allegedly punched a cigarette out of a man’s hand after he refused to give him one.

Murphy faces charges of battery and a hate crime.

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