Man Arrested For Robbing Blind Singer On 'T' Platform
BOSTON (CBS) - Police arrested a man for robbing a legally blind street performer singing for change inside the Arlington MBTA Station on Tuesday afternoon.
Ladonte Fisher, 40, was charged with unarmed robbery, disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and fare evasion after police say he was spotted snatching the change cup from the performer.
WBZ-TV's Bill Shields reports
That performer, 67-year old George Ley is blind, but for years, he's shown up at the Green Line stop atArlington Streetto sing. His tunes consist mostly of Elvis and Sinatra.
At his feet, next to his cane, is usually a cup, for passersby to drop in a few coins.
But police say when Ledonte Fisher saw Ley, and his cup full of change, he took the blind man's earnings, and walked off. "That's about as low as it gets," said Transit Police Sgt. Mike Flanagan.
Fisher didn't get far, thanks to the T's customer service agent on the platform. Pauline Sims befriended George Ley years ago, and usually guides him to his favorite spot on the platform when he shows up every afternoon to sing.
"I saw the guy grab George's cup," said Sims. "Then, he emptied it into his hands and took off. I followed him, and called the police...who got him."
WBZ NewsRadio 1030's Karen Twomey reports
Podcast
Transit police caught up with Fisher at the Boylston Street stop.
By that time, officers say Fisher had dumped the change into his pockets. Police found $4.47.
As for George Ley, he's a forgiving person, "I guess he was having a bad day, but his day then got worse...maybe he's just an angry person."
WBZ-TV's Bill Shields contributed to this report
