More details have been released in the alleged assault of WTXF cameraman Dave Eitzen and reporter Chris O’Connell.
Tuesday, the two had wrapped up an interview with a woman whose car had been towed to a local garage after being damaged by severe potholes. According to WTXF, the shop’s owner, Peter Kathapoulis, told them to leave before they even got out of their news van so they got permission from a neighboring property owner to park.
Kathapoulis immediately followed the crew to the neighboring property telling O’Connell and Eizen to leave. He repeatedly told the crew he owned the property at 7039 West Chester Pike. A check of Delaware County property records finds Kathapoulis does not own that property. What happened next was all captured on video during the 2 minute incident.
In an attempt to force the crew to leave the business owner proceeded to grab some nearby tree branches and vines and raked them across O’Connell’s head and face. Kathapoulis then unsuccessfully tried to grab the television camera from Eitzen’s arms. The crew immediately called for a passersby to help and dialed 911. Kathapoulis is then seen on camera spitting in the face of O’Connell as he was talking to 911 dispatchers about the incident. O’Connell posted a short clip of the spitting incident on his Facebook page. He is quoted as saying they were “just out doing our job”
After giving statements to police, Kathapoulis was arrested and charged by Upper Darby Police. The video of the incident has was requested by law enforcement and is now considered evidence in the case.