Former heavyweight champion Mike Tyson was arrested earlier today at LAX airport after a scuffle with the paparazzi. According to TMZ, Tyson was arrested at LAX and charged with misdemeanor battery after a bloody confrontation with a photographer outside the United terminal. Reports were that the former heavyweight boxer punched the pap in the face and knocked him out cold and there was blood everywhere.

Reports claim the photographer was taken to a hospital and Tyson was taken into custody. The photographer states it was totally unprovoked and that Tyson had been allowing himself to be photographed at LAX. It’s was originally believed the photographer sustained a broken nose and damage to his camera, however Police said that the photographer only suffered a minor cut to the head.

Mike Tyson captured by cameras as he was driven away from the Los Angeles airport police station following his arrest for allegedly assaulting the photographer. He has since been released on his own recognizance but Cops say Tyson and the photographer performed citizen’s arrests on each other.  Both are expected to be booked for misdemeanor battery. Cops also said witnesses backed both stories.

If Tyson is prosecuted, given that he’s a former boxing champ, the charge could end up being assault with a deadly weapon. Tyson’s rep says he was traveling with his 10-month old daughter when he was attacked by an overly aggressive paparazzi suggesting that the boxer may have acted in self-defense to protect his child.

Po Mike! Why won’t they leave that man alone…. 🙁

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