Nine Teens and Preteens Charged in Mass. Hate Attack

Police say nine people, ranging in age from 12 to 19, attacked and robbed a gay man as he walked home alongside a Springfield, Mass., park Tuesday morning.

According to Springfield Police sergeant John Delaney, Shay Andre Edwards, 19, was arrested along with four boys and four girls, all of whom were underage, and charged with unarmed robbery and violation of civil rights with injury.

Delaney says the 30-year-old victim was on his way home from downtown Springfield before 3 o'clock Tuesday morning when the suspects called out to him. After he ignored their requests to enter the park, they allegedly knocked him down and the males kicked and punched him while the females cheered them on. Antigay slurs were yelled and the victim's MP3 player was taken before the suspects ran off.

The victim was able to call police with a description of his attackers. He was taken to the hospital, where he was treated for his injuries and released.

Police picked up the alleged attackers, one of whom had the victim's MP3 player, less than a quarter of a mile from the scene. They were transported to the hospital, identified by the victim, and arrested.

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