Reporter Seeking Criminal Charges Against Man Who Groped Her on Live TV

Alex Bozarjian says "what it comes down to is he helped himself to a piece of my body"

Alex Bozarjian reacts after being groped by a jogger on live television.
Alex Bozarjian reacts after being groped by a jogger on live television.

Alex Bozarjian, a TV news reporter in Georgia, has filed to press sexual battery charges against Thomas Callaway, the man who groped her while she was delivering a live report.

The Savannah Police Department confirmed to NBC News on Wednesday that a detective has been assigned to the case and “the matter is under investigation.” Bozarjian was covering the Enmarket Savannah Bridge Run for local NBC affiliate WSAV when one of the runners — later identified as Callaway, a youth minister — slapped her on the butt. She paused in shock before continuing and completing her report.

“To the man who smacked my butt on live TV this morning: You violated, objectified, and embarrassed me,” she tweeted later. “No woman should EVER have to put up with this at work or anywhere!! Do better.”

“What is comes down to is that he helped himself to a part of my body,” she told CBS News. “I think what is most important here is that he took my power, and I’m trying to take that back. And whether I am open to it or not, I want to take my time with that.”

Callaway, meanwhile, has been banned from all future races by the Savannah Sports Council.

Subscribe here for our free daily newsletter.

The InsideHook Newsletter.

News, advice and insights for the most interesting person in the room.