Justin Bieber faces two criminal charges following an alleged altercation in Perth County.
OPP say they were called to Line 40 east of Road 106 – east of the singer's hometown of Stratford and northeast of Shakespeare – shortly before 3 p.m. last Friday in response to a crash between a minivan and an ATV, both of which were carrying two people.
“It appeared that one of the occupants of the van and the operator of the ATV had words,” Const. Kees Wijnands told reporters Tuesday afternoon.
“There was an altercation that took place, and as a result of that, we ended up arresting Justin Bieber.”
In an email to The Canadian Press, the pop star’s lawyer blamed the paparazzi for the incident.
“Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez’s peaceful retreat in Stratford this weekend was unfortunately disrupted by the unwelcome presence of the paparazzi,” Brian Greenspan said.
“Mr. Bieber and Ms. Gomez have fully cooperated in the police investigation. We are hopeful that this matter will be quickly resolved.”
Los Angeles-based lawyer Gloria Allread said she's representing two "victims" in the incidents, but did not indicate whether her clients are photographers.
Police likewise would not say if they believed the minivan’s occupants to be paparazzi, but did confirm that Bieber was driving the ATV.
“Justin’s demeanour, when we dealt with him, was very positive,” Wijnands said.
Bieber, 20, posted pictures of himself and on-and-off girlfriend Gomez riding an ATV online on Friday.
That same day, he and his father posted pictures of themselves riding horses.
Bieber faces charges of dangerous driving and assault. Police say he was released from custody on a promise to appear in court.
His next court date is set for Sept. 29.
No injuries were reported as a result of the crash.
With files from The Canadian Press
