Two suspects surrender in Pierce stabbing case

BOSTON (AP) _ Two of the three men wanted by police in the stabbing of Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce faced arraignment on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. <br><br>Tony McCrary,

Thursday, September 28th 2000, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

BOSTON (AP) _ Two of the three men wanted by police in the stabbing of Boston Celtics star Paul Pierce faced arraignment on charges of assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Tony McCrary, 31, also known as Tony Hurston, and Trevor Watson, 34, both of whom have ties to the rap group Made Men, turned themselves in Wednesday night just hours after police said they were seeking them.

Pierce, stabbed multiple times at a night club early Monday, was expected to be released Thursday morning from New England Medical Center after being treated for wounds to his face, neck and back.

A warrant had been issued for Hurston, Watson and William Ragland, 28, charging all three with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon. Hurston was alleged to have wielded a bottle in the attack early Monday, while Watson and Ragland were alleged to have used a knife. Hurston and Watson were to be arraigned Thursday.

Hurston's attorney, John Swomley, said Hurston was working in New York when he learned of the warrant against him. Swomley also represents members of Made Men.

Police said Thursday that Ragland, who reportedly also has ties to the rap group, had not been arrested.

Watson was with Made Men member Raymond E. ``Ray Dog'' Scott when the rapper was arrested and pepper sprayed at the Braintree Mall by police who questioned the two men after a store employee reported that Scott had made large credit card purchase. The card turned out to be Scott's _ and Scott filed charges against the police, who were later acquitted.

Two members of the group have acknowledged being at the club, but have denied any involvement.

Pierce, 22, had surgery Monday to repair his damaged lung. Hospital officials said the other wounds were mostly superficial. Pierce was able to walk into the hospital's emergency room after being driven there by friends.

The 6-foot-7, 220-pound Pierce averaged 19.5 points and ranked second in the NBA in steals with 2.08 a game. Pierce, an All-American at Kansas, was drafted in the first round in 1998 after his junior season.