CHRIS BROWN AND SECURITY SCUFFLE WITH PAPARAZZI?

*A photographer for the Tampa Bay Times says he was assaulted by security guards attempting to protect pop star Chris Brown outside of a St. Petersburg, Fla. club.

According to the newspaper, Luis Santana, 25, tried to snap photos of Brown outside of a private party at Vintage Ultra Lounge, where he and his rumored girlfriend Rihanna were celebrating his 19th birthday.

Santana said he talked to security for the club and was told he could take photos outside. But when he began snapping away at Brown in a black SUV limousine, Brown's bodyguards allegedly chased him, threw him to the ground and left the scene in the limousine.

One guard put his knee on Santana's jaw and when he tried to push it away, the guards took his camera, worth about $3,000, according to Santana. He said he has abrasions and bruises on his chest, back and arms.

"I’ve shot many many celebrities and this was just another notch on my belt," Santana told the Tampa Bay Times. "Then it just turned sour."

Police said there could be four male suspects who are bodyguards, but their names are unknown.