VAN NUYS >> A transient who allegedly assaulted and hurled racial epithets at a female Hispanic postal worker in North Hollywood was charged Tuesday with a pair of felonies.

Charles Thomas Miller, 60, pleaded not guilty to one count each of assault by means of force likely to produce great bodily injury and criminal threats.

The criminal complaint includes allegations that Miller committed a hate crime and that he has a 1978 conviction for robbery.

Miller allegedly yelled racial epithets at the postal worker as she delivered mail Saturday. He also allegedly assaulted her, then threatened to continue harming her when she managed to run into her vehicle for shelter.

Miller was arrested that afternoon and has remained behind bars since then. He is due back in court next month for a hearing to determine if there is enough evidence to require him to stand trial.

If convicted as charged, he could face up to 17 years and four months in state prison.

Transient charged with assaulting female Hispanic postal worker