No charges will be filed against boxing legend Mike Tyson for allegedly punching a fellow airline passenger on an airplane that was set to depart from San Francisco International Airport on April 20, according to San Mateo County District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.
“Our decision is that we will not file any charges against Mr. Tyson based on the circumstances surrounding the confrontation,” Wagstaffe announced today. “These include the conduct of the victim leading up to the incident, the interaction between Mr. Tyson and the victim, as well as the requests of both the victim and Mr. Tyson that no charges be filed in this case.”
A video released by TMZ appeared to show Tyson punching a passenger identified as Melvin Townsend, who was seated behind a row behind him. A witness said Tyson was initially cordial with other passengers, taking a selfie with him, but grew impatient with Townsend after he did not heed Tyson’s request to quit pestering him, stated TMZ. “That’s when the witness says Tyson started to throw several punches at the man’s face,” TMZ said.
Wagstaffe said the DA’s office reviewed police reports and various videos collected by law enforcement from others on the airplane before deciding against filing charges.
