Bieber leaves Florida jail after drunk driving arrest

Teen pop star Justin Bieber’s tumultuous life off-stage landed him in jail for the first time.

FLORIDA: Police arrested Justin Bieber for drunk driving on Thursday after he was caught drag racing on a main Miami Beach street in a rented Lamborghini.

The 19-year-old Canadian initially resisted arrest, cursed at police officers and later told them he had consumed alcohol, pot and prescription drugs, police said. Then, changing his demeanor, he grew cooperative and even smiled for his mug shot, coiffed hair perfectly in place.

A judge set bail at $2,500 and released the Boyfriend singer. If convicted, Bieber could face jail time of up to six months, although experts say he will likely get off with a lighter sentence for his first offence.

In the arrest report, an officer said Bieber had bloodshot eyes and alcohol on his breath. The singer told police he was returning from a studio recording session and repeatedly asked why he had been stopped and arrested. Bieber later acknowledged that he had taken prescription medicine, had been smoking marijuana and had been driving under the influence. Representatives for Bieber and his mother, Pattie Mallette, said they had no comment about his arrest.

Bieber was later released and escorted from jail by correctional officers. Wearing a hooded sweatshirt and dark sunglasses, Bieber climbed on top of a waiting SUV to wave to fans.

Bieber’s arrest is his most serious run-in with the law during a year in which his problems have ranged from allegations of speeding through his gated community near Los Angeles to a felony investigation into whether he pelted a neighbour’s house with eggs and caused thousands of dollars in damages.

His once meteoric career has also showed signs of distress. A year ago, he became the youngest artist with five No. 1 albums, but in March he collapsed on a London stage, and in December hinted he might be ready to retire after releasing a compilation album and a film about his life.

The teen and children’s idol, who has had nearly 50 million followers on Twitter, risks running afoul of his fans’ parents. Even his hardcore supporters now recognize he may have entered dangerous territory.

Published in The Express Tribune, January 25^th, 2014.

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