4 accused of beating disabled man at Boston subway station

BOSTON (AP) - Transit police say four people punched and kicked a mentally disabled man at a Boston subway station after he made what officers described as an "innocuous statement" to them.

The two men and two women beat the 40-year-old victim at the Downtown Crossing stop Monday, sending him to the hospital with multiple scrapes and severe bruising and swelling along his face and torso. Police say the victim's shirt was ripped and one shoe was missing.

Police say the victim, who has a limited ability to communicate, was attacked after he overheard a conversation the suspects were having and told them they ought not to use the word "hate."

Two suspects were arraigned Tuesday on assault and other charges and a third is scheduled for arraignment Wednesday. Police are searching for the fourth suspect.