TMZ is reporting that Kanye West was arrested today in L.A. for assaulting a paparazzi who was taking his picture smashing a paparazzi's camera.  One of TMZ’s ever-present cameramen was in the vicinity, and he started rolling before being assaulted by Kanye’s bodyguard. Here’s what he says went down:

Erik says he was at Terminal 4 (American Airlines) when he noticed a still photog taking several pictures of Kanye West. Erik says West rushed the photog and grabbed his camera. A struggle ensued and the still guy was screaming, "Police, help!" Erik says Kanye then took the still camera and threw it on the ground, breaking it into pieces.

 

Erik then went over to Kanye, his camera rolling, when Kanye's bodyguard walked up to him, realized Erik was taping, and said, "Give me the camera, give me the camera." Erik responded that he had a press pass and had a right to shoot. The assistant then grabbed the camera, ripped off the mic and viewfinder and smashed it to the ground.

 

Erik says Kanye then tried to leave to board his plane, but cops stopped him before he got to security. The cops then interviewed Erik, the still photog, Kanye and his assistant.

TMZ claims that Kanye will be charged with vandalism, and promise the clip will be posted on the site shortly. [TMZ]

Photo Credit: Chris Owyoung/Prefixmag.com 

Update: Kanye West vs. Cameraman and Filmer (Video)