INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 56-year-old suspected of yelling racial insults before punching and choking another man at a bus stop, was arrested Friday, deputies said.
The victim – whose right eye was swollen shut – told deputies Robert Rodrick Taylor grabbed the back of his head and repeatedly slammed his face into the pavement, reports show. Deputies said the victim, who was over 65 years old, had extensive cuts and bruises to his neck and head, some of which required stitches and could leave scars.
Robert Rodrick Taylor
PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
Indian River County deputies arrested Taylor on a charge of aggravated battery of person over 65 years old. Taylor’s arrest report described him as homeless, but his booking information showed he lived in the 8500 block of 64th Court.
The victim called deputies about 6 p.m. June 14 after the incident, which occurred at 86th Lane and 64th Avenue. The victim said a man, later identified as Taylor, approached him and began yelling racial slurs.
Taylor “chest bumped” the victim, threw him to the ground and began to punch him in the face and head. Taylor also choked the victim, reports show.
The victim said Taylor, who he did not know, then left the area.
Responding deputies found Taylor walking in the 8500 block of 64th Avenue. Deputies saw blood on Taylor’s hands and detained him, reports show.
Deputies took Taylor back to the bus stop, where the victim identified Taylor as the man who attacked him, authorities said. When asked about the incident, Taylor told deputies, “I don’t have anything to say,” reports show.
Deputies arrested Taylor and took him to the county jail. Taylor has an arraignment at 8:45 a.m. August 2, court records show.
