Mike Tyson arrested after airport scuffle
Mike Tyson arrested after airport scuffle
Thursday, 12, Nov 2009 08:17
By inthenews.co.uk staff.
Former boxing world champion Mike Tyson was arrested in Los Angeles after allegedly punching a photographer at an airport terminal, it has been confirmed.
The 43-year-old had been passing through Los Angeles International Airport from Europe while on his way to Las Vegas when he became involved in a scuffle with a paparazzo at the United Airlines terminal, Los Angeles police Sergeant Jim Holcomb was quoted by People as saying.
"The two men got into a scuffle, and it's alleged that Tyson hit the photographer once in the face with one hand, causing him to fall to the ground," the officer said.
"The photographer sustained a laceration to the forehead, and was taken to a local hospital."
Tyson, recently seen in comedy hit The Hangover, was detained at the scene and taken to a nearby LAPD station, where he was held on $20,000 bail.
The former boxer was travelling with his wife and ten-month-old baby when the incident occurred, with his spokesman saying the family were attacked by an overly aggressive photographer, causing Tyson to act in self-defence to protect his child.
His attorney Richard Schonfeld added: "Mr Tyson did absolutely nothing wrong, he was the victim in this case. We look forward to vindicating him and pursuing his rights."
Both Tyson and the photographer want to press charges for misdemeanour battery, according to LAPD officer Sgt Holcomb.