Mike Tyson Dodges Jail Time In LAX Photographer Assault

News: Mike Tyson Dodges Jail Time In LAX Photographer Assault
Friday, Jan 1, 2010 6:00AM

Written by Biz Jones

Former boxing champion Mike Tyson has reportedly been let off the hook and will not face criminal charges stemming from his publicized alleged assault on a photographer last month at Los Angeles's LAX airport.

According to reports, a lack of proper evidence secured Tyson's freedom.

Mike Tyson will not be prosecuted for allegedly punching a photog at LAX, TMZ has learned. The L.A. City Attorney officially rejected the case today, citing "insufficient evidence." Tyson's lawyer, the ever-effervescent Shawn Chapman Holley, tells TMZ, "The City Attorney's office made the right decision given the harassing conduct of the paparazzo." The City Attorney also declined to file charges against the photog. (TMZ)
Tyson's rep previously said he was protecting the safety of his wife and child.

"Mr. Tyson was traveling with his wife and 10 month-old child without security when he was attacked by an overly aggressive paparazzi [sic]. The truth will reveal Mike acted in self-defense as a father protecting his child. We are confident justice will prevail," says Tyson's rep, Tammy Brook. (E! Online)
Details on the victim's injuries were released last month.

Photographer Tony Echevarria, 50, said in video interview posted on TMZ.com that he "wasn't aggressive, I was shooting from a distance, and I was respectful." He indicated that his videotape should back up his story. Echevarria says he received five stitches and that Tyson, 43, hit him at least four times. "When you're getting hit by Mike Tyson, it's the worst thing in the world you can imagine," he said. (People Magazine)
Shortly after published reports circulated online, police confirmed the incident.

The photographer, who was not immediately identified, also was arrested. He suffered a cut to his forehead and was taken to a hospital. It was not known if Tyson was hurt. "There's a lot of different versions to the story," Los Angeles Airport Police Sergeant Jim Holcomb said. "That's all going to come out later. But in this particular case, both individuals are going to be pressing charges for battery." (Reuters)

From SOHH.com

http://www.sohh.com/2010/01/mike_tyson_dodges_jail_time_in_lax_photo.html