Britney Spears arrested on suspicion of DUI, substance from car being tested

Britney Spears was arrested Wednesday night in Ventura County on suspicion of driving under the influence, with her representative calling the incident "completely inexcusable" and signaling that loved ones are planning an intervention .

The 44-year-old pop star was stopped by the California Highway Patrol around 9:30 p.m. after being spotted "erratically braking, swerving and driving without taillights" on the 101 South near Westlake Village, according to police dispatch audio . She was booked around 3 a.m. Thursday and released just after 6 a.m. .

A law enforcement source confirmed that an unknown substance found in Spears' BMW sedan is being tested, and the impounded vehicle was searched again Thursday morning . The singer was taken to a hospital emergency room immediately after being pulled over so blood could be drawn for alcohol testing .

"This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable," a representative for Spears told multiple outlets. "Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law and hopefully this can be the first step in a long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney's life" .

The statement added that Spears' sons, Sean Preston and Jayden James, will be spending time with her, and "her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well-being" .

This marks Spears' first arrest since her 13-year conservatorship ended in November 2021. She previously faced misdemeanor charges in 2007 for hit-and-run and driving without a license .

Spears has a court hearing scheduled for May 4 in Ventura County Superior Court .