Nicky Hilton made a citizen's arrest in West Hollywood on Saturday (21Feb09) morning after a homeless man attacked her.
The socialite was knocked to the ground but unhurt by the transient at 5am.
A bystander called the police, who promptly arrived at the scene and arrested the man.
Police officers have since confirmed the call was made by an off-duty cop who was dining at a nearby fast food restaurant when the commotion took place outside.
A police spokesman tells Life & Style magazine, "There was a misdemeanour battery that involved Nicky Hilton and a man named Michael Broadhurst.
"He came up behind Ms. Hilton and pushed her. She's OK, but she was desirous of prosecution."
Broadhurst, who was charged with battery, will appear in court on 21 April (09).
Tagged in Nicky Hilton