Metro

Homeless attacker was ‘targeting a cop next’

The homeless black man who fatally punched a retired train conductor in Union Square last September because he was white told a police officer at the scene that he’d attack him next, according to court papers released Tuesday.

“Next white guy in uniform is going to be next. You’re next, too,” Lashawn Marten, 31, ranted at the arresting officer.

Marten pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Manhattan Supreme Court Tuesday.

He repeatedly barked at the judge, “How much is my bail?”

Victim Jeffrey Babbitt

“I just told you, you’re remanded,” Justice Renee White replied after ordering a psychiatric examination.

Marten is charged with manslaughter and assault as hate crimes for the vicious Sept. 3 attack on Jeffrey Babbitt.

Marten allegedly sucker-punched the 62-year-old Brooklyn man shortly after yelling that he would “f—k up” the next white person he saw, cops said.

He was apparently angry after watching people playing chess nearby and not being asked to join in, radio station 1010 WINS reported.

“It’s a bullshit assault three,” Marten told cops. “I’ll be out in 30 days.” The enraged bum clearly underestimated the power of his punch.

Babbitt hit the ground so hard witnesses reported hearing his skull crack against the pavement.

During an interview with cops at the precinct, Marten offered a new reason for the horrific attack. “He said something about my momma and I punched him,” he said.

Babbitt was treated at the scene and was even pictured standing on his own before later slipping into a coma. He died at Bellevue Hospital after he was removed from life support.

Marten also allegedly punched two people who rushed to Babbitt’s aid.

“There are definitely reasons to think he needs to be evaluated,” said his defense lawyer Michael Croce, hinting at his client’s psychiatric history.