Teen Pop Star Bieber Arrested for Drunk Driving, Resisting Arrest

Mike Richman
VOA News
January 24, 2014 12:57 AM

Download Teen Pop Star Bieber Arrested for Drunk Driving, Resisting Arrest in MP4 format - 2:52 - 20.7MB

WASHINGTON — Teen pop star Justin Bieber was released from jail on Thursday after being arrested on multiple charges, including drunken driving, while allegedly speeding in Miami Beach, Florida. The arrest is the latest in a series of troubling incidents for Bieber.

Wearing a red jumpsuit, 19-year-old Justin Bieber appeared in a Miami courtroom on Thursday via videolink from jail.

Bieber had been arrested earlier in the day after police caught him drag racing on a residential street in Miami Beach.

Police said he cursed at officers at the time of his arrest, and that he later admitted to drinking alcohol, smoking marijuana and taking prescription drugs.

A judge set bond at $2,500 and listed charges of driving under the influence, resisting arrest, and driving with an expired driver’s license.

Bieber's friend, fellow singer Khalil Amir Sharieff -- commonly known as Khalil -- was also arrested on drunk driving charges Thursday. His bail was set at $1,000.

Police said Khalil, driving a red Ferrari, and Bieber, driving a yellow Lamborghini, were drag racing on a street in Miami Beach.

Amateur video captured the moment the police stepped in.

“Justin got pulled over. Oh my God,” said one onlooker.

Bieber has become an international star in the few years of his career. As of 2012, the Canadian singer, pop musician and actor had sold 15 million records worldwide.

His behavior, however, has become increasingly erratic. Last year, he was late for a London concert and had to take a break from the show to receive what his representative called "oxygen and treatment backstage."

Authorities recently raided his California home after he was accused of pelting a neighbor's house with eggs. He has also been accused of reckless driving in his neighborhood.

Jennifer Peros, a reporter for the entertainment magazine Us Weekly, said Thursday's arrest would come as a surprise to many.

"I think a lot of people today are really shocked this is Justin Bieber's first arrest, just because for the past year, year and a half, we've been hearing about him getting in trouble, so obviously just assume that he's been arrested before. But I really do think that this might be the nail in the coffin, so to say, that he really is going to kind of have a rude awakening this time around and realize that his brand, his career, all of his fans, will be affected by this arrest,” said Peros.

Bieber emerged from jail Thursday escorted by correctional officers and his entourage, before climbing onto the roof of a car to wave to fans. He did not comment publicly on his arrest.