L.A. Times writer sees killing on Red Line

Pop music staffer Todd Martens was in the subway in Hollywood last night when he witnessed a man stab another man, then flee the scene. It was more complicated than that, of course:

A rider holding what looked like a bike chain got into an argument with another passenger. The man with the chain "started swinging wildly.... 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, prompting bystanders to scurry to the back of the car. The man stabbed the chain-wielding victim in his chest. The stabber stepped back, and said, "Oh, no, why did you make me do that?" Martens said.

The victim collapsed and began shaking.

The stabber fell to the floor and said to other passengers, "You saw him attack me, right? Please say you did." Then he changed clothes, at the urging of other passengers, and fled at the Hollywood and Vine station. Police are looking for the stabber.