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Tyson cited after car damaged outside bar
David J. Cieslak and Lynh Bui
The Arizona Republic
Dec. 9, 2004 12:00 AM
Boxer Mike Tyson was cited on suspicion of felony criminal damage after a Scottsdale bar patron accused him of leaping atop his vehicle and pounding his fists against the hood in an outburst outside the club.
Asaf Alikadic, 22, said he was trying to leave the parking lot at Scottsdale's Pussycat Lounge about 12:45 a.m. on Nov. 27 when he stopped to allow a group of people to cross the street in front of his car. A moment later, Alikadic said Tyson was atop the hood of Alikadic's white Toyota Solara, screaming and slamming his fists on the vehicle.
"I've watched him all my life. He was one of my favorite boxers," said Alikadic, a Yugoslavian immigrant and full-time caregiver for his elderly grandmother. "I never even thought I'd come across meeting Mike Tyson, let alone having him on top of my hood."
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After Tyson's friends pulled him off the car, Alikadic said he drove away and didn't call police until later in the day when he realized the hood was damaged. A body shop estimated the dents on Alikadic's car would cost $1,400 to repair, he said.
On Tuesday, Scottsdale police asked Tyson, 38, to appear at police headquarters, where they cited him on suspicion of criminal damage and released him, Detective Sam Bailey said. He arrived at the station with his attorney and refused to answer questions, Bailey said.
Attempts to reach Tyson were unsuccessful Wednesday night.
Tyson is scheduled to appear for a hearing in Scottsdale Municipal Court on Dec. 17. If convicted, he could spend up to 5 3/4 years behind bars because of his criminal history.
Tyson's troubles with violence and self-control have led to numerous troubles outside and inside the ring. He served a 3 1/2-year prison sentence for the rape of a beauty pageant contestant.
In a heavyweight title fight, Tyson was disqualified for twice biting Evander Holyfield's ears, taking a chunk out of one.
The former champion made almost $400 million in his career, but filed for bankruptcy last year. Court documents say that he is more than $40 million in debt.
Earlier this year, Tyson pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct stemming from a fight with two men in a Brooklyn hotel lobby in June 2003. He was ordered to perform community service at Brooklyn's legendary Gleason's Gym.
Tyson, who has been living and training in the Valley for a fight scheduled in March, was recently rehabilitating his knee after undergoing surgery for an injury sufferedduring his July 30 loss to Danny Williams.
Alikadic said he doesn't want to see Tyson spend any time behind bars for the incident.
He said he simply wants Tyson to pay for the repair and apologize.
"He should not have done what he did, but I just want my hood to be fixed," Alikadic said. "I paid for that car and I worked hard for it."