Miami Beach Police have been decidedly forthcoming on social media this morning, sharing details of the early morning arrest of underage Canadian singer Justin Bieber for drunk driving, drag racing and operating without a valid drivers license.
On the Miami Beach Police Twitter page, the department information officer posted Bieber’s booking photo and the three page arrest report – see ARREST DOCUMENTS here.
Posing in a jail jumpsuit, Bieber smiled for his first mug shot. He was processed and is being held at the Miami-Dade County Jail. He can legally be held for up to eight hours — which is standard protocol for anyone taken in for DUI. He was incarcerated at 4:30 a.m. eastern.
No word yet from his manager Scooter Braun, who will undoubtedly be called upon to do major damage control. Bieber’s chief handler said publicly in late 2013 that he encouraged his protege to take a year off to focus on himself. We’re guessing this is not what he had in mind.
Bieb’s mother Pattie Mallete told a reporter for the Toronto Sun earlier this week, “If Justin’s struggling, don’t kick him when he’s down or condemn him — pray for him.”
In an interesting twist, Bieber told police officers that it was his mother who provided the anti-anxiety medication Xanax that was in his system at the time of his arrest. It remains unclear whether the prescription is his or hers.
A judge set bond at $2,500, assessing $1,000 for the DUI, $1,000 for resisting arrest and $500 for expired drivers license – video clip:
See addition footage from the press conference below detailing the traffic stop and subsequent arrest. The press officer indicated there was a “strong odor of alcohol” and Bieber was “obviously impaired.”
Photo Credit: Booking Photo Courtesy Miami Beach Police Twitter