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COLUMBIA (WACH) - A Marine has been arrested in connection with a beating that happened near Five Points last month.

According to police,  Michael Blaszczyk, 21, of Camp Lejeune, NC is charged with second degree assault and battery.

Authorities say the Columbia Police Department is working with the United States Military and North Carolina officials on the extradition process.

Chief Randy Scott says the victim of the assault told investigators that he and a female were walking home from Five Points when they turned on Wheat Street around 2 a.m. on August 19 and were approached from behind by three men.

The victim turned around after he says one of the men called to get his attention, which is when he was struck in the face with another man's fist, according to police.

Scott says Blaszczyk is accused of striking the victim in the face with his fist, knocking him to the ground and repeatedly hitting the victim in the face.

The victim suffered severe injuries including a broken nose, cheekbone and black eyes. He was treated at a local hosptial and has since been released, according to police. 

Police say the the female told officers she jumped on the suspect's back to stop the incident, but she was not successful.

The victims say the other two suspects stood and watched the assault without trying to stop it, according to authorities.