Keytar Bear Assaulted, Racially Abused By NH Youths: Police

BOSTON, MA — Three New Hampshire juveniles were arrested for attacking Boston's "Keytar Bear" and racially abusing him late Saturday afternoon, police said.

Police came upon Keytar Bear surrounded by a group of males when responding to an assault call at 4:40 p.m. in the area of Congress and State Streets. When an officer approached with lights and sirens on his cruiser, the males fled on foot. The officer pursued the suspects down Water Street toward Devonshire Street where they were climbing the building scaffolding platform to hide. The officer ordered them down, and they complied.

Police learned that Keytar Bear had been attacked while playing his music near Faneuil Hall, one of the areas in which he has become a local celebrity. The suspects allegedly ripped off his mask, beat him in the face and body, and called him racial slurs. The suspects also allegedly hurled racial epithets at witnesses attempting to intervene.

The three suspects were charged with assault and battery, affray, and disorderly conduct. One was also charged with being a minor in possession of alcohol, as a small bottle of vodka was in his pocket, police say.

Photo by charlene mcbride via Flickr