KSTP Anchor Matt Belanger assaulted on light rail platform, at home recovering

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KSTP Anchor Matt Belanger was assaulted on a light rail platform Tuesday morning.

Authorities said a suspect threw a rock or piece of concrete at Matt's head and struck him in the eye. The incident happened on the Nicollet Mall light rail platform shortly before 9 a.m. and was caught on the station's video cameras.

The assailant, who fled from the scene, was later picked up and taken into custody by Minneapolis police. 

Matt was taken to a hospital for treatment of a significant injury to his left eye. He is expected to recover within a few days and return to being on the air on 5 EYEWITNESS NEWS.

Later Tuesday, State Rep. Jon Koznick, R-Lakeville, called for improvements in security for the metro's transit system in light of the incident. Koznick plans to discuss the issue Thursday during a floor session.