A prominent television reporter's sudden departure from ABC 13 Houston has drawn attention due to her previous experience with sexual assault during a live broadcast.

According to Daily Mail, Alex Bozarjian has left her position at the Houston station, where she had been working since 2023. The station has already removed her biography from their "News Team" page without any formal announcement regarding her exit.

The Massachusetts native's career took an unexpected turn in 2019 when she became the subject of national headlines while reporting at a race in Savannah, Georgia. During her live coverage, a runner deliberately slapped her backside as he passed by, leading to widespread outrage and discussions about workplace harassment.

Sexual Assault Incident Sparks National Dialogue

The incident occurred when Bozarjian was just 23 years old, covering the event for her previous employer. The young reporter immediately took to social media to confront her assailant, expressing her frustration and anger over the violation.

The video of the assault quickly went viral, garnering millions of views and prompting internet users to identify the perpetrator. The incident sparked a broader conversation about the treatment of female journalists in the field and the challenges they face while performing their duties.

Thomas Callaway, a 43-year-old married youth pastor, was identified as the perpetrator and subsequently faced legal consequences. He was arrested and charged with misdemeanor sexual battery for his actions during the live broadcast.

Legal Consequences and Public Response

Callaway appeared on the Georgia news station to address his behavior, claiming he got "caught up in the moment." His apology preceded legal proceedings that would determine his punishment for the assault.

The court sentenced Callaway to one year of probation and ordered him to pay a $1,000 fine after he pleaded guilty to the sexual battery charge. The case highlighted the serious nature of such violations and their legal ramifications.

Bozarjian received an outpouring of support from viewers and fellow journalists, though some critics attempted to blame her for the incident. The reporter later addressed these comments in various interviews, emphasizing the importance of standing up against workplace harassment.

Impact on Journalism and Workplace Safety

Bozarjian's experience became a catalyst for discussions about women's safety in journalism. She appeared on CBS This Morning to share her perspective on the incident and its broader implications for female reporters.

The reporter's professional journey included positions as a nightside reporter in Detroit before her move to Houston's ABC 13. Her departure comes amid several other exits from the Houston station in recent months.

Her case continues to serve as a reminder of the ongoing challenges faced by female journalists in the field. The incident has contributed to important conversations about professional respect, personal boundaries, and workplace safety in broadcast journalism.

Why This Story Matters

This case is a reminder of the challenges journalists—particularly women—face in the field. It highlights how harassment can escalate to criminal acts, even in broad daylight, and underscores the need for lasting protections for all workers. It also emphasizes how communities respond to such incidents, and how public support or criticism can influence the personal and professional aftermath for survivors. Most importantly, it reinforces the critical need to shift society’s focus from blaming victims to holding offenders accountable.

Conclusion

Alex Bozarjian’s time at ABC 13 has officially ended, less than two years after she joined the Houston-based station. Her career first came into the national spotlight in 2019, following a disturbing incident of sexual battery that occurred live on air during a race in Savannah, Georgia. The man responsible, Thomas Callaway, a youth pastor, pleaded guilty and was sentenced to probation and a fine.

The case triggered widespread media coverage and ignited conversations about workplace harassment. Bozarjian, speaking out about the violence she endured, has remained a figure of courageous advocacy despite also facing online backlash. Her current professional plans remain undisclosed, and both she and ABC 13 have yet to publicly address the reasons behind her unexplained exit.