NH Teens Busted For Allegedly Beating Busker In Boston

BOSTON, MA — A staple in the busker scene in Boston was reportedly attacked by New Hampshire teens on Saturday afternoon near Faneuil Hall, according to Boston Police. Keytar Bear – a busker who plays a synthesizer in a bear costume – was allegedly assaulted by three teens on June 17, 2017, at just before 5 p.m. An officer responded to the area, according to a report, where Keytar Bear was performing and the men reportedly fled the scene.

“The officer was directed by witnesses and bystanders as he pursued the suspects on Water Street toward Devonshire Street where he ultimately observed three of the suspects climb up the building scaffolding then lay down on a platform in an attempt to hide from police,” according to a police report. “The officer ordered them from the scaffolding platform, and the suspects complied.”

Officers spoke with witnesses as well as the victim and learned that he was attacked while performing music.

“The suspects ripped off the Keytar Bear’s mask, struck him several times in the face and body while calling him racial slurs,” the report alleged. “When witnesses attempted to intervene, the suspects hurled racial epithets at them before fleeing from the police.”

The suspects – a 15-year-old from Londonderry, a 16-year-old from Salem, and a 17-year-old from Manchester – were all charged with assault and battery, affray, and disorderly conduct. One of the teens was allegedly in possession of a small bottle of alcohol. He faces an additional charge minor in possession.

The incident continues to be under investigation by the Boston Police Civil Rights Unit, according to police.

A fundraising effort has been posted on GoFundMe.com to help raise money to offset the cost of the damages allegedly perpetrated by the teens.

Photo courtesy of GoFundMe.com.