More details are being revealed afterBritney Spears' arrest for allegedlydriving under the influence.
The pop star, who was arrested in Ventura County, California, was seen driving a black BMW 430i "erratically" at high speeds on the freeway before she was booked late Wednesday, March 4, and released the following morning, a California Highway Patrol spokesperson told USA TODAY Friday. Law enforcement also suspects Spears, 44, was driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs, as she was showing "signs of impairment and submitted to a series of field sobriety tests," according to the outlets.
Spears, who was taken into custody around 3 a.m. Thursday, was released shortly after 6 a.m., according to inmate records from the Ventura County Sheriff's Office reviewed by USA TODAY.
She was pregnant at the time with their first son, Sean." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
She was freed from the conservatorship on Nov. 12, 2021. The star celebrated the judge's decision on Instagram, writing: "I think I'm gonna cry the rest of the day !!!! Best day ever … praise the Lord … can I get an Amen." She has since spoken out several times on Instagram about alleged mistreatment she suffered under her conservatorship by her family members." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
Amid Britney Spears' arrest, a look back at her career in photos
Spears charmed Jay Leno in 2003 with a look at her new tattoo.
Britney Spears arrest 'completely inexcusable,' says rep
In a statement to USA TODAY on Friday, a representative for Spears said the arrest was an "unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable."
"Britney is going to take the right steps and comply with the law, and hopefully this can be the first step in long overdue change that needs to occur in Britney's life," the rep said. The singer has a court hearing in the case scheduled for May 4.
"Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time," Spears' spokesperson added. "Her boys are going to be spending time with her. Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well-being."
USA TODAY has reached out to the California Highway Patrol for comment.
Spears' arrest comes five years after her conservatorship, overseen by father Jamie Spears, wasterminated by a California judge in November 2021. The singer, who was 39 at the time of the ruling, was placed under the legal arrangement at age 26 in 2008 after suffering a public breakdown the year prior that played out before the paparazzi, who captured her seemingly erratic behavior.
Advertisement
Britney Spears' ex-husband speaks out:Sam Asghari weighs in on singer's DUI arrest
Britney Spears performs "I'm a slave 4 U" with a snake draped over her shoulders at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards in New York City on Sept. 6, 2001. In 2016, MTV tracked down the Burmese python and the snake's trainer, Mike Hano, who shared his memory of working with the singer.
"She was afraid of the snake, but she forced herself to handle it, and she did a really great job," Hano said." style="max-width:100%; height:auto; border-radius:6px; margin:10px 0;" loading="lazy" />
See pop icon Britney Spears' memorable performances in photos
Britney Spears is a pop culture icon. See some of the singer and actress' iconic performances and outfits during her nearly three decades in the spotlight, from her "Baby One More Time" debut to her most recent album,"Glory,"released in 2016.Britney Spears performs "I'm a slave 4 U" with a snake draped over her shoulders at the 2001 MTV Video Music Awards in New York City on Sept. 6, 2001. In 2016,MTV tracked down the Burmese python and the snake's trainer, Mike Hano, who shared his memory of working with the singer."She was afraid of the snake, but she forced herself to handle it, and she did a really great job," Hano said.
Britney Spears' legal troubles following conservatorship
In recent years, Spears has found herself involved in various legal issues.
In the fall of 2023, Spears was reportedly pulled over for speeding and a traffic violation by the California Highway Patrol in two traffic stops, according toABC News.
According to bodycam footage obtained by the network's Los Angeles station KABC, Spears was flagged by authorities in driving incidents on Sept. 10 and Oct. 6. The singer was pulled over for speeding in the September incident and crossing double-yellow traffic lines in October.
Justin Timberlake suesto keep video of DWI arrest private
During both traffic stops, Spears did not have her driver's license, claiming it was left with her security at home, per ABC News.
And in May 2024, police and paramedics were reportedly called to the Chateau Marmont hotel in Los Angeles after an incident involving Spears and her boyfriend, according toCNNandTMZ.
Per the outlets, Spears later left the hotel with security without incident.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY:Why was Britney Spears arrested? Police allege DUI at high speeds