Justin Bieber was arrested on Aug. 29 in his native Canada, authorities said.
According to the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), Justin allegedly collided with a minivan while driving an all terrain vehicle. He was charged with dangerous driving and assault.
OPP Constable Kees Wijnands told reporters that the assault charge came after Justin got into an altercation with a man inside the van, while the dangerous driving charge was the result of driving that led to “a danger to the public.”
While Wijnands did not give any more specifics, he did add that another person was on the ATV with Justin at the time of the incident. Paparazzi photos revealed that that same day, he was driving an ATV with his on-again girlfriend, Selena Gomez.
JB’s lawyer, Brian H. Greenspan, told ABC News in a statement:
Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez’s peaceful retreat in Stratford this weekend was unfortunately disrupted by the unwelcome presence of paparazzi. This has regrettably resulted in charges of dangerous driving and assault. Mr. Bieber and Ms. Gomez have fully cooperated in the police investigation. We are hopeful that this matter will be quickly resolved.
Another lawyer also defended JB’s actions, saying:
Many celebrities are continually harassed by police. Their privacy is shredded and these incidents can be dangerous. While the public is not particularly sympathetic, they must realise how difficult these cameramen make their lives so I am not surprised there is conflict. It happens quite often, and as long as the paparazzi are highly paid for their photographs, they will continue.
The authorities added that Justin was released shortly thereafter and is scheduled to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on Sept. 29. Wijnands said that it would also be acceptable for an attorney to appear on Justin’s behalf.
According to TMZ, Justin’s latest brush with the law could have serious repercussions, since he’s currently on probation for two years after egging his neighbor’s L.A. house, and it’s possible his Ontario arrest could be seen as a parole violation.
For one thing.. These paparazzi were trespassing and have been harassing him and Selena constantly since they arrived in Canada. We don't know all the details yet, but it has come out that he was being chased by paparazzi while he was on his ATV. What professional manner are you talking about? You think it is professional for these paparazzi to invade private property and put lives at risk by chasing after Justin and his passenger with their cars?? They could have hit him instead and seriously hurt Justin and his passenger.. Enough is enough with these paparazzi putting people's lives in danger.. This is not the first time paparazzi have chased Justin and put his life in danger.. How many times does that have to happen before a serious accident happens?? You do realize that it is dangerous? How ignorant to assume Justin is putting this on himself.. What person wants their life put in danger constantly by cars cutting you off or tailgating you, following you constantly? In this case it was cars vs ATV, guess which one is bigger, heavier and more dangerous? The police can't follow Justin around 24/7 and protect him from dangerous drivers such as these paparazzi.. How is he supposed to deal with that on a almost daily basis? Do you want Justin to say please and thank you to these paparazzi for putting his life in danger? This just pisses me off.
