Mike Tyson detained at LAX after altercation with photographer [Updated]

Boxer Mike Tyson was detained at Los Angeles International Airport this afternoon after getting into an altercation.

[Updated 8:50 p.m.: Tyson was taken by LAXpolice to the Los Angeles Police Department's 77th Street Division, where he was booked on suspicion of battery and released on his own recognizance at 8:10 p.m., said Lt. Aaron McCraney said.

"He was very cooperative," McCraney said. "There were no issues."]

The incident occurred at Terminal 7.

A law enforcement source told The Times that both Tyson and an unidentified photographer traded accusations about the altercation. Los Angeles airport police are now interviewing both Tyson and the photographer.

[Updated at 6:20 p.m.: The source said Tyson told investigators that the photographer struck him in an apparent attempt to provoke him. The photographer told investigators that Tyson punched him in the face and tried to take the film from his camera, according to the source, who spoke on condition that he not be named because it was an open investigation.

Both men wanted to press battery charges against each other, so police placed both under arrest, the source said.

The photographer was taken to a nearby hospital with injuries to his face.]

It's the latest of several clashes between celebrities and paparazzi at LAX. 

On Sept. 12, 2008, rapper Kanye West was arrested on suspicion of vandalism and his road manager, Don Crowley, was arrested on suspicion of vandalism and battery at LAX after they reportedly confronted a photographer and smashed his camera.

An L.A. court commissioner dismissed all charges against both men last month.

-- Andrew Blankstein

Photo: Mike Tyson. Credit: Getty Images

Comments

[Otis]

Enough, with TMZ , Harvey Levin, and all the rest , The man just lost his daughter , how low can you go , your poetic justice is coming ......

[Trent]

How is it that the photographer gets to remain anonymous yet Mike Tyson's name is broadcasted immediately without any finality to this case?

[Popebaldhead]

I hope Tyson got a really good shot in

[Melaine Samson]

Film from his camera? Who uses film anymore...?

[the pigeons]

Only a total idiot would confront or provoke someone like Mike Tyson.
The pap got what he deserved for being such a retard and should be arrested for being such an idiot.
Where are the stalking laws?? It's all just organized crime stalking and a conspiracy. Should be illegal for them to stalk people for money. Are the lawmaking authorities waiting for another Princess Di death situation and then change the laws ? Or are they going to do the smart thing and make laws against organized stalking before something happens ?
The words of Jim Croce come to mind.
" You don't tug on Superman's cape. You don't spit into the wind. You
don't pull the mask off that old Lone Ranger and you don't mess
around with Slim." ( you don't mess around with MIke T. )

FREE MIKE TYSON !!!

[John]

This article is linked on Cheat Sheet News

[TomHynes]

Attempted to take the film from the camera? Is this story from 1989?

[thom]

tried to take the film from his camera?

somebody uses film?

[Bobby]

What is the case with Tyson? His name is always ringing bells when it comes to Violent. I think Tyson should take a vacation to getaway from all the drama in his life, not any vacation one of those adult vacations like charlisangels adult sex vacations in the Caribbean. Good luck Tyson.

[hockeymom]

There's a lesson to be learned in this: Don't harass a former heavy-weight boxing champion while within striking distance.

Although violence is indefensible, I can hear the sound of applause rolling down from the canyons of Bel-Air and Malibu.

Besides, who uses film anymore? That must be an anachronism for a CF card.

[Mark]

I met Tyson at Wolverhampton on his UK tour. He was a true gentleman to a respectful and appreciative crowd, I was most honoured by his presence.

I imagine this photographer was attempting to provoke him. Good on you Mike!

[TW]

The papparazi should not be allowed on any "private' property and should be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law,... or Mike Tyson as the case may be. Private property being "anything" owned by a private citizen or business entity. Each city or state should protect the privacy of it's citizens at all costs in all areas of life.

[GEAH]

Mike Tyson violent? No! This cannot be true!

[Vickie]

If it isn't politically incorrect to say, this clown, Michael Vick and the rest of their criminal sports class will always be with us. Unfortunate blow to basic decency.

[Lou]

I wouldn't put it past the news hounds to use tactics to rile their target celebrities in attempts to get a reaction that's newsworthy. There's been quite a few incidences and the photo hogs somehow feel they're immune to any backlash or wrongdoing, while they've become far too aggressive and don't know when to back off.

[Sid Elmer]

take his film??? really? who uses film anymore?

[dozafamily]

PAPARAZZI = DOMESTIC TERRORISTS

[jdcarmine]

I hope the courts go VERY easy on people who strike back when being harassed by these lowly scum pseudo-journalists.

[unclesmrgol]

I'd hate to have a stranger try to take my picture. I can understand Mr. Tyson's frustration here.

[Arturo]

Who cares… it was just a member of the paparazzi. Iron Mike doesn't need this kind of aggravation.

[Terry]

OK, let's call this one a draw and move on. Come on, Mike Tyson vs. paparazzo? I gotta go with Iron Mike. He may be a sleaze ball, but he's still a rung ahead of photogs.

[Joe]

I believe Mike Tyson in this case. People are always trying to hit him up for money and think he is easily provoked. The pathetic camera man probably did strike him. Mike Tyson isnt a violent guy anymore. I think hes a good father and husband and is more mature and calm than he used to be.

[Sharon]

I saw this on the news this morning and could not help wondering why professional boxers are not held as using a lethal weapon when they hit someone. For years that was the case, but for awhile now when I hear a boxer hits someone this charge is never given. Has the law changed after all these years? Or was it ever a law, and just a rumor? Does anyone know the answer?

[Sally]

Please name the photographer. Why should he be protected?

[Heather]

This story is actually kind of funny when you read all the way to the 6:20 update. Only a jackass celeb photographer would intentionally try to provoke Mike Tyson. Reminds me of those commercials where the guys play tricks on Bigfoot, then get clobbered. What did you expect, idiot?

[russellgibson]

Something has to be done about these camera freaks they should not be allowed closer than 400 feet from someone
it is disgusting that they can get in your face the way they do.The government likes it I think because they probable get fifty percent of what some of these photos sell for. Because of them Princess Diana is dead.What is
our Government waiting for a repeat of Dianna.Today every idiot with a camera thinks they are camera men or woman.

[doncanazie]

Jay-z makes a rap record about buying and selling cocaine from Dominicans and the New York Yankees and Matyor Bloomberg use this as the New York City anthem? Why isn't NYPD Narcotics or Commissioner Kelly warning him. This city is morally and politically corrupt.

[Keith Lamerand]

Does the photographer still have his ear?

[B. Johnson]

They both got good "shots" and look what developed!

[cool fashion]

Tyson was prevoked...