Boston

Boston's Keytar Bear Vows to Return After Attack

The popular Boston street performer known as Keytar Bear said he's anxious to return to playing music after the outpouring of support he's received since being attacked by a group of teens last weekend.

"I'm in the mood to play music again," he said in a Facebook post Monday. He went on to thank Boston police and all of the "well wishers," referring to the assault as "an unfortunate incident".

"I will be back," he added, in response to fans wondering about his return.

Keytar Bear, who dresses in a bear costume and plays music around Boston, was assaulted by three New Hampshire teens in the area of Congress and State streets on Saturday afternoon. The suspects allegedly ripped off his mask before striking him several times in the face and body while using racial slurs.

When witnesses attempted to intervene, police said the suspects also hurled racial slurs at them before fleeing.

The suspects fled but were later caught hiding on top of a building a short distance away.

The three juvenile suspects — a 15-year-old from Londonderry, a 16-year-old from Salem and a 17-year-old from Manchester — were charged with assault and battery and disorderly conduct. The 16-year-old was also charged with possession of alcohol by a minor.

Prosecutors said they are also reviewing the case for potential hate crime charges.

In the days since the attack, there has been an overwhelming outpouring of support for Keytar Bear on social media. A GoFundMe account set up to help him purchase new equipment had raised $8,500 as of Wednesday morning. Police said the suspects damaged some of his equipment in the attack. 

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