Two South Shore men charged for Red Line beating that left victim needing surgery

Transit Police report arresting a Pembroke man for a four-on-one attack that sent a man to the hospital on May 28 - and that they're planning additional arrests.

Police say they arrested Kerrick Pierce, 23, on Friday on a charge of assault and battery resulting in serious bodily injury.

According to the Suffolk County District Attorney's office, Pierce was let go at his arraignment today on the initial $400 bail he paid when he was arrested. He was ordered to stay off the T, though.

Prosecutors say he and a pal - who were traveling with two other people - reacted to a request to stop using homophobic slurs by beating a man up:

Shortly after midnight on May 28, the male victim and a female companion were on board the same southbound Red Line train as a group that included Pierce. After hearing members of that group use a homophobic slur, the victim’s companion told them to stop. Another man in the group wearing a Celtics jersey allegedly threatened the woman, prompting the victim to stand up in an effort to shield the woman.

Prosecutors allege that a man wearing a blue and white striped shirt, later identified as Pierce, punched the victim, knocking him to the ground. Pierce and the other man then kicked and punched the victim in the head and face before the group exited the train at Andrew Station.

The victim exited at JFK/UMass and called Transit Police. He was transported to Carney Hospital for emergency treatment of injuries that will require surgery to repair fractured facial bones, prosecutors said.

UPDATE, 4:35 p.m. Transit Police report the name of a second suspect: John Karol, 23, also of Pembroke, wanted on a warrant for aggravated assault and battery with serious bodily injuries and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Innocent, etc.