Boxer Tyson arrested after altercation at LAX

Boxer Mike Tyson was booked on suspicion of battery Wednesday after an altercation with a paparazzo at Los Angeles International Airport, according to authorities.

The incident occurred at Terminal 7 in front of numerous witnesses about 4:30 p.m., according to Los Angeles Airport Police. The photographer was not identified.

Tyson told investigators that the photographer struck him in an apparent attempt to provoke him, according to a police source who asked not to be named because the matter involved an open investigation.

The photographer told investigators that Tyson punched him in the face and tried to take his camera, the source said.

Both men wanted to press charges of battery against each other, said Sgt. Jim Holcomb of the Airport Police.

Tyson was initially held in the airport station’s lockup, but then transferred to the Los Angeles Police Department’s 77th Street Station, where he was booked and released on his own recognizance at 8:10 p.m.

“He was very cooperative,” said LAPD Lt. Aaron McCraney. “There were no issues.”

The photographer was taken to a nearby hospital with facial injuries. He may be booked on suspicion of battery, following a medical evaluation, according to the law enforcement source.

Wednesday’s episode was the latest clash 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.

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andrew.blankstein@latimes.com