UPDATED with charges: Britney Spears was charged in Ventura County today with driving under the influence, according to multiple reports. The charge is a misdemeanor.
Spears checked into a treatment facility following her DUI arrest. Her rep issued a statement at the time that read in part, “This 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.”
PREVIOUSLY on March 5: Britney Spears was arrested in Ventura County, California, last night reportedly on a suspicion of driving while intoxicated.
A statement to the press released by a rep for the singer and obtained by Deadline notes, “This 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. Hopefully, she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time. 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.”
The singer with a long history of troubling behavior was pulled over and handcuffed by the California Highway Patrol around 9:30 p.m./PT last night. According to TMZ and other outlets, Spears was booked around 3 a.m. today and released as a “cite & release” just after 6 a.m. Her vehicle remains in a tow lot.
Spears is scheduled to report to Ventura County Superior Court on May 4.
Although the Sherriff’s Office report does not list a reason for the arrest, news outlets are reporting the 44-year-old singer is suspected of allegedly driving under the influence.
A link to Spears’ Instagram page indicated Thursday morning that the “page isn’t available.”
