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Arrest Made In Metro Line Assault After Video Appears On Social Media Leading To Suspect

LOS ANGELES CBSLA.com)  —   The LA County Sheriff's Department announced the arrest of a suspect Thursday following an assault on the platform of the Metro Hollywood and Vine station early Tuesday morning.

Transit Police Division Detectives arrested James A. Hanson, a 32-year-old from Culver City, around 1 p.m. Thursday.

A witness to the assault took video of the incident and posted it to his Facebook page, authorities said.

Officials were originally called to the scene around 1 a.m. Tuesday on a report of an assault. When they arrived they could not find the alleged victim or alleged attacker.

The alleged victim appeared to be a homeless man. The man who punched him, suspect Hanson, lands one blow with the victim falling dangerously close to the edge of the tracks.

When the homeless man was down, Hanson (who police say admitted his role in he attack) continued to kick the man about the face.

Officials also checked the location and were unable to interview any corroborating witnesses.First responders cleared the scene.

Deputies were advised on Tuesday afternoon that a man posted video of the assault on his Facebook page.Video of the incident aired on several media outlets and deputies urged the victim to come forward. The man was ultimately located, taken to a hospital and treated for his injuries.

Authorities said media coverage also led to many tips regarding the possible identity of the suspect. Detectives followed up on these leads, including the one that led them to Hanson.

He has been booked at the Sheriff's Century Regional Detention Facility for assault with a deadly weapon (hands and feet) likely to produce great bodily injury.  He is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

If you have info about this case ,you're asked to call the LA County Sheriff's Department Transit Policing Division Detectives at (888) 950-SAFE.

Officials want to remind the public if they see something suspicious or believe they are witnessing a crime to call (888) 950-SAFE.

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