Arrest made in attack of ex-NFL player

CHESAPEAKE, Va. (WAVY) - Chesapeake police have arrested four juveniles in the attack of a former NFL linebacker.

Ed Beard, who was a linebacker for the San Francisco 49ers, told WAVY.com he suffered a concussion when he was attacked at the intersection of Freeman Avenue and Varsity Drive on October 23.

Beard, 71, was attempting to break up a fight on an elementary school baseball field when he was attacked.

Back in October, Chesapeake police spokeswoman Kelly O'Sullivan said about 15-20 young men surrounded Beard.

Beard said he was knocked unconscious. He also suffered a black eye and cuts and bruises.

The former 49er starred at Oscar F. Smith High School and played linebacker and on special teams for San Francisco from 1965 to 1972. The football stadium at his high school now bears his name.

Each of the four youths in police custody are charged with malicious wounding and malicious assault by mob. They are being held at the Chesapeake Juvenile Services Center.