Update : TMZ is reporting the Canadian paparazzi involved in the alleged incident are now represented by famed US attorney Gloria Allred. The site added Allred has contacted the Los Angeles Police Department.
Justin Bieber has been charged with dangerous driving and assault following an incident on Friday, August 29, in his native Canada.
The arrest arose after an alleged collision between the ATV the singer was driving with a paparazzo-driven mini-van, and his subsequent alleged fight with one of the two photogs in the van.
According to Ontario Provincial Police, Bieber’s all-terrain vehicle collided with the paps’ minivan.
CNN confirmed the singer was arrested, adding OPP spokesman Kees Wijnands said:
“Investigation revealed that after colliding, the driver of the ATV and an occupant of the mini-van engaged in a physical altercation.”
ABC News reports Officer Wijnands told reporters Tuesday that the assault charge came after Bieber, whom he also described as “very polite,” got into an altercation with a man inside the van, while the dangerous driving charge was the result of driving considered “a danger to the public.”
The 20-year-old singer was reportedly taken into custody Friday afternoon in Perth county, Ontario, where he lived as a child, but was released on a promise to appear at the Ontario Court of Justice in Stratford on September 29.
Wijnands said that it would be acceptable for an attorney to appear on Bieber’s behalf.
Sgt. Dave Rektor told CBC News that Bieber was charged on Monday when he turned himself in at a local police station.
Rektor said officers responded to the collision Friday and that Bieber was on the ATV with a passenger. He added that the other party involved in the altercation was not charged.
Bieber’s lawyer, Brian H. Greenspan released a statement to ABC News , which reads:
“Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez’ peaceful retreat in Stratford this weekend was unfortunately disrupted by the unwelcome presence of the 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.”
CNN reported Greenspan said Justin was being chased by people with cameras when the alleged incident happened, and that his client had been enjoying a “peaceful retreat” at his father’s home when it was interrupted by paparazzi.
Justin was snapped riding an ATV with his girlfriend Selena Gomez on Friday, August 29 in Stratford, Ontario during the pair’s visit to Canada.
The recently reunited couple were spotted holding hands at Waterloo Airport in Ontario just two days before, after jetting in on a private plane.
( Photo: Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez ride an ATV on August 29 in Stratford, Ontario. )
CBC News reports, two OPP officers went to the home of Jeremy Bieber, the singer’s dad, in Perth East on Tuesday, September 2, after paparazzi again trespassed on the property.
Roy Black, the criminal defense attorney who defended Bieber in a previous DUI case has also released a statement after this latest incident, saying:
“Justin, like many celebrities are continually harassed by police. Their privacy is shredded and these incidents can become dangerous. While the public is not particularly sympathetic, they must realize how difficult these cameramen make their lives.”
“So I am not surprised there is a conflict. It happens quite often, and as long as the paparazzi are highly paid for their photographs, they will continue.”
The singer is adding to his growing rap sheet.
On July 10, a Los Angeles judge placed Bieber on two year’s probation after he pleaded no contest to an egging-related misdemeanor vandalism case.
Plea deal conditions included $80,900 restitution, a 12-week anger management course, five days of community service and an order for Bieber to stay away from the neighbor and the family – whose house was egged – for two years.
It is possible Justin’s latest arrest could trigger a probation violation and see the singer at a serious risk of a spell in jail.
Update: TMZ is reporting a probation violation investigation has been launched by the Los Angeles County Probation Department because his arrest in Canada set that in motion.
The investigation will determine whether Justin’s arrest for dangerous driving and assault constitutes a violation.
Probation officials will contact Canadian law enforcement for details of the incident.
The arrest news comes after the Canadian was recently accused of lunging at a couple in a Dave & Buster’s restaurant in the Hollywood district of Los Angeles.
The LAPD have said they want to interview the singer about the claim this week.
Bieber was recently warned by Beverly Hills police after he was seen on video mounting his Can-Am Spyder three-wheeler motorbike onto a sidewalk in Beverly Hills last month.
Police said the singer was “putting other people’s safety in jeopardy.”
The heartthrob also recently pleaded guilty to careless driving and resisting arrest in a DUI case in Miami, Florida following his January arrest.
Bieber is also charged with assault in Toronto, stemming from an alleged assault of a limo driver on December 30.
That summary case is proceeding.
The Inquisitr will be updating this report as more information becomes available.
[ Images via PacificCoastNewsOnline . ]