A Somerville man who allegedly went on a homophobic and racial tirade against two teens on an Orange Line train will face a judge today.
Joseph Balistreri, 36, will face a series of charges including assault with a dangerous weapon after his arrest this weekend by Transit Police.
The 18- and 19-year-old teens were riding the T Nov. 19 when Balistreri got on and called one teen a lesbian and the other a racial slur, according to a police report. Police allege he then kicked one teen in the face and the other in chest and spit on them before fleeing.
Authorities said the hate attack appeared to be unprovoked.
T officials said they received numerous tips after surveillance photos of the man were published in various media outlets.
Balistreri is being held on $7,500 cash bail.
A number listed for his Somerville home was repeatedly busy yesterday.
