Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson and freelance photographer Tony Echeverria were both arrested on misdemeanor battery charges after a scuffle at the Los Angeles International Airport last Wednesday.
According to CBS News, Tyson was standing at the ticket counter around 4:30 p.m. when a group of paparazzi began taking photos of him.
Tyson, 43, who was traveling from Europe to Las Vegas with his wife and 10-month-old daughter, claims that he was aggressively attacked by Echeverria and instinctively fought back, according to his spokeswoman, Tammy Brook.
“Mike acted in self-defense as a father protecting his child,” said Brook.
According to airport spokesman Jim Holcomb, Echeverria, 50, told police that Tyson struck him once, causing him to fall to the floor. He was then taken to the hospital and treated for a cut on his forehead.
Both men were arrested after pressing misdemeanor battery charges against each other.
Tyson, who was held at the airport police station, was cooperative and compliant during the booking process, according to Holcomb. Echeverria was booked and released after he was treated at the hospital. Both were released without bail.
Police are holding Echeverria’s camera as evidence and checking to see if any surveillance cameras captured the incident. The city attorney will determine whether charges should be filed.
Do you think Echeverria should have proceeded with more caution while taking pictures of Mike Tyson?
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