Tyson free of assault charges

LOS AGELES: Mike Tyson and a photographer won’t face charges after their scuffle at Los Angeles International Airport, city prosecutors said on Thursday.

Prosecutors found insufficient evidence to charge Tyson or photographer Tony Echeverria, spokesman Frank Mateljan said. The two men were arrested on November 11 after an incident in which each claimed they were struck by the other. Echeverria said a blow by the former heavyweight champion knocked him to the ground, and he was treated for a cut to the forehead.

Tyson was traveling with his family when he was mobbed by photographers. His attorney Shawn Chapman Holley said at the time that Tyson was protecting his infant daughter after Echeverria collided with her stroller. She said on Thursday the city attorney’s office made the right decision.

Attempts to reach Echeverria for comment were unsuccessful. Tyson also won’t face any probation violations in his 2007 cocaine possession case in Arizona, said Zach Dal Pra, deputy chief of the Maricopa County Adult Probation Department. Arizona authorities said after Tyson’s arrest in Los Angeles that they were watching that case to see if Tyson should be sent to jail for violating probation. Tyson became the youngest heavyweight champion ever in 1986 when he won his title as a 20-year-old. His life since has been marred by accusations of domestic violence, rape and cocaine use.