Middle-aged guys charged with beating up senior citizen in Mattapan

Boston Police report arresting two men in their 50s yesterday after an officer saw them on top of a 71-year-old man, allegedly beating the crap out of him in an alcohol-fueled fist barrage.

Police say the officer heard the victim screaming for help around 6:25 p.m. in the parking lot of the Church of the Holy Spirit, 530 River St.:

Both were holding the victim down to the ground and punching him. The officer exited his department cruiser and began giving verbal demands for the parties to separate. The officer observed suspect#1 pulling at the victim's pockets and punching him with a closed fist. Suspect#2 was holding the victim down with his knees and punching him with a closed fist. The parties involved reported to the officers they had been drinking alcohol prior to police arrival, when an argument ensued. Officers observed the victim to have injuries to the back of his head, both arms and knees. The elderly victim was transported to Carney Hospital with non-life threatening injuries.

Jerome Hollins, 50, and Carlton Spence, 51, both of Mattapan were charged with assault and battery on a victim over 65. They are scheduled for arraignment in Dorchester District Court.