Kanye West‘s personal war against paparazzi reached a boiling point yesterday (July 19). After declaring that no cameraman can speak to anyone in a bizarre rant that was caught on tape earlier this week, Kanye’s temper exploded when a photographer egged him on as he was leaving LAX airport. Footage surfaced of West attempting to take the man’s camera.
The physical altercation that ensued has reportedly landed the man in the hospital for unspecified reasons. Police interviewed the alleged injured victim and now Kanye is facing felony charges of attempted robbery. The photographer reportedly wants to press charges against West.
Police officers will refer the case over to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office as a felony attempted robbery rather than the lesser charge of battery, according to TMZ.
A spokesman for LAX police issued a statement:
“Today at approximately 2:00 p.m., at the Tom Bradley International Terminal (on the arrival level curbside), Los Angeles Airport Police officers were flagged down by a citizen (photographer) who alleged that he was taking pictures of an individual when he was battered by the subject.”
“The alleged subject was not at the location nor was he observed by officers at the scene.”
“LAPD was notified, responded to the location and transported the victim to a local hospital for medical attention. A police report was taken by the Los Angeles Police Department and the investigation is ongoing.”
The case has been transferred to the Los Angeles Police Department’s Robbery-Homicide Division for investigation as is standard procedure. Police suspect West committed an attempted robbery when he hit the photographer and attempted to take his camera. Prosecutors will decide which charges will be filed.
