11/12/2009

in

Boxer allegedly hit a photographer at Los Angeles International Airport and was detained on suspicion of battery.

Robyn Chelsea-Seifert

[![Mike Tyson And Family Portrait Session](http://cdn.picapp.com/ftp/Images/d/c/7/2/Mike_Tyson_And_56ac.jpg?adImageId=7362404&imageId=6989532)](http://view.picapp.com/default.aspx?term=mike tyson&iid=6989532)


Mike Tyson and a paparazzi photographer got into an altercation at the Los Angeles International Airport early Wednesday evening. The former heavyweight boxing champion was arrested and the photographer was taken to a nearby hospital.  
  
This is a clear case of he said/he said. One source at the scene claims Mr. Tyson told the police the photographer was provoking him as he traveled with his wife and 10-month-old child. The photographer claims the boxer punched him and tried to take the film from his camera.  
  
Sgt. Jim Holcomb, airport police spokesman said Tyson, 43, is being held at the airport police station where he is being booked on misdemeanor battery charges waiting for release.  
  
"Right now he is very compliant, very cooperative. He's just waiting in one of our holding cells," Holcomb said.  
  
The unidentified photographer is currently in the hospital being treated for cuts to his forehead and will be booked on misdemeanor battery charges pending his release.  
  
LAX is a known hotbed for incidents between celebrities and paparazzi. Videographer and photographer stake out the meet and greet terminals waiting for unsuspecting celebrities to depart and arrive.