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Suspect Still At Large Following Fatal Stabbing On Red Line In Hollywood

HOLLYWOOD (CBS/AP) — Authorities are still searching for a man suspected in the stabbing death of a commuter on the Red Line subway in Hollywood.
The stabbing, believed to have been captured on video, was reported around 7:30 p.m. Friday at the Metropolitan Transportation Authority's Hollywood and Vine station, according to police. The victim, identified as a Hispanic male in his 50s,  was pronounced dead at the scene.

"There are cameras on the trains," sheriff's Sgt. Harry Drucker said. "That footage feeds into a hard drive and our homicide detectives will be requesting a download of that video from the Metro people."

Suraya Fadel, reporting for CBS2 and KCAL9, says this incident marks the first homicide on the Red Line, which has been operating for nearly 20 years, according to Metro officials.

The Los Angeles Times reported that one of its staffers witnessed the stabbing and said it took place after a rider and another passenger got into an argument on the train.

Todd Martens told the Times that a man started swinging what looked like a bike chain at another passenger.

"He was flailing his chain, but it wasn't really hitting the guy. He just seemed crazy," Martens said.

The other man, who was holding two skateboards and a bag, then pulled out a small knife and stabbed the chain-wielding victim in his chest, he added. The attacker stepped back, and said, "Oh, no, why did you make me do that?" Martens said.

The victim collapsed. When the train stopped at the Hollywood/Vine station, the doors opened and the assailant, an Asian male in his 20s with acne scars, fled, authorities told KNX 1070's Ed Mertz.

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Anyone with more information about the killing is asked to call detectives at (323) 890-5500.

(TM and © Copyright 2011 CBS Local Media, a division of CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2011 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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