The runner who allegedly smacked a TV reporter's backside during a Savannah road race is a Savannah youth minister who claims he wants to "correct the situation," according to the New York Post.
WSAV-TV anchor Alex Bozarjian, who was slapped on the behind while covering the annual Bridge Run on Saturday, reportedly has filed a sexual battery police report, according to the Post.
A clip of the incident that was posted to Twitter had been viewed close to 11.6 million times by Wednesday afternoon.
Bozarjian said the person who smacked her “hurt me, both physically and emotionally.”
Online sleuths identified youth minister Tommy Callaway, according to the Post, thanks to his race number shown in other photos.
Callaway works as a youth group leader at his church, Pittman Park UMC, as well as a Scout leader, according to the Post’s story.
His lawyer, Joseph Turner, called him a “loving husband and father who is very active in his community” and local church, insisting he was “working with those involved to correct the situation,” according to the New York newspaper.
“While we regret the situation, Mr. Callaway did not act with any criminal intentions,” Turner said in a statement.
Bozarjian appeared Tuesday on CBS’ “This Morning” and confirmed Callaway “did try to make contact” with her. “He separates himself from the runners, and he kind of winds up. And he hit me hard,” she said.
Bozarjian said she is leaving it up to officials whether they file charges.
“I think what is most important here is he took my power, and I’m trying to take that back,” she said. “I want to take my time with that.”
The Savannah Sports Council banned the accused runner from participating in future events.
Savannah police did not immediately return requests for comment, the Post said.
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