Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez riding an ATV on Aug. 29
O'Neill/Todd G/Pacific Coast News
09/02/2014 AT 02:30 PM EDT
Ontario Provincial Police said the incident happened Friday afternoon near Bieber's hometown of Stratford when the driver of the ATV and an occupant of the minivan "engaged in a physical altercation."
Bieber, 20, went to a police station and was arrested, then released on a promise to appear in court Sept. 29, a spokesman for Perth County OPP said.
OPP Constable Kees Wijnands said there were no injuries as a result of the collision but could not say whether there were any injuries from the altercation.
Bieber was photographed recently in southwestern Ontario riding on an ATV vehicle with actress and singer Selena Gomez.
His lawyer, Brian H. Greenspan, tells PEOPLE that paparazzi were involved in the accident.
"Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez's peaceful retreat in Stratford this weekend was unfortunately disrupted by the unwelcome presence of paparazzi,' he said in a statement. "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."
The singer's other lawyer, Roy Black, also criticized photographers for following his client.
"Justin, like many celebrities are continually harassed by police," he told PEOPLE in a statement. "Their privacy is shredded and these incidents can become dangerous. While the public is not particular sympathetic, they must realize how difficult these cameramen make their lives."
"So I am not surprised there is a conflict," Black continued. "It happens quite often, and as long as the paparazzi are highly paid for their photographs, they will continue."
Earlier this month, Bieber pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of careless driving and resisting arrest seven months after his arrest in Miami Beach following what police initially called an illegal street drag race.
Bieber is also charged in Toronto with assaulting a limousine driver in late December. Police allege Bieber hit a limousine driver several times in the back of the head after he and five others were picked up by a limo in the early hours of Dec. 30.
His lawyers have said he is not guilty in that case.
Also in Miami, Bieber faces a lawsuit by a photographer who alleges he was roughed up while shooting pictures of the singer outside a recording studio.
• With reporting by TARA FOWLER
No comments:
Post a Comment