Assault arrest warrant issued for Boston GP president

Former Boston Grand Prix LLC president John Casey has had an arrest warrant issued after allegedly kicking a photographer from the Boston Herald on Wednesday while in court on matters relating to the failed IndyCar street race.

According to the Herald, Casey kicked the female photographer while attempting to leave the courthouse amid a throng of media, and claimed he was frightened by her presence.

"She jumped out at me," Casey told a Herald reporter. "I reacted with a kick to defend myself. It was an aggressive move. I felt like I was defending myself. I regret it. I wish I would have reacted differently. It's just a reflex. If she gave me the opportunity to apologize, I would."

Casey, who recently parted ways with his lawyer and represented himself on Wednesday, was in court for "a case brought by Global Partners, a gas station and convenience stores company seeking $275,000 they paid to sponsor the race," according to the Herald.

In addition to monies owed to sponsors for the Sept. 4, 2016 event that never took place, some fans that purchased tickets for the event have yet to receive a refund from Boston Grand Prix LLC. The Verizon IndyCar Series, which was not affiliated with the promotion of the event, stepped in to offer $925,000 in refunds, leaving the rest of the $1.67 million in ticket sales to be paid by Casey's team.

Both Casey and the BGP LLC are the subjects of multiple lawsuits, including one from the state's attorney general.

"They failed to protect consumers, and we will do all we can to hold them accountable," Massachusetts AG Maura Healy said in July. She also applauded IndyCar's efforts to make good on ticket debts owed by BGP, which promptly filed bankruptcy claiming a loss of $9 million after calling off the race.

"I appreciate IndyCar's willingness to step up for their fans and help resolve this problem," Healey said. "They've gone above and beyond to be a productive part of this solution."

It's unclear how the arrest warrant for Casey will impact his ongoing legal proceedings.