California prosecutors have filed a criminal charge against pop star Britney Spears following an alleged driving-under-the-influence incident reported last month.
The singer behind ‘Toxic’ was taken into custody on March 4 after officers said they observed her vehicle being driven erratically on a highway in Southern California.
An arrest report from the time alleged that Spears was operating her BMW “erratically at a high rate of speed.”
In the wake of the arrest, the 44-year-old reportedly checked herself into a rehabilitation facility on a voluntary basis to seek additional support and treatment.
Representatives for Spears described the situation as “completely inexcusable,” adding that she had cooperated fully with law enforcement during their inquiries.
She is scheduled to be arraigned next Monday morning. Because the allegation is being treated as a minor charge, she is not required to appear in person.
“Whether or not Ms Spears will appear at the hearing will be a decision made between her and her attorney,” the Ventura County district attorney’s office said, while filing the charge on Thursday.
After the March arrest, a spokesperson for Spears shared a statement addressing the situation: “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.”
The remarks, shared with E! News, continued: “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 wellbeing.”
Further details about the stop were provided following the arrest, with a California Highway Patrol (CHP) spokesperson outlining what authorities said led to her being pulled over.
Police stated that Spears “showed signs of impairment and submitted to a series of field sobriety tests” after the traffic stop.
The spokesperson said: “At approximately 8.48pm, a black BMW 430i was reported to the CHP’s Ventura Communications Centre for driving erratically at a high rate of speed on southbound US-101 near the Borchard Road exit in Newbury Park.”
Authorities said Spears was the only person in the vehicle and that she was later arrested on suspicion of “driving under the influence of a combination of drugs and alcohol.”
Jail records indicated that her car was impounded following the incident, according to BBC News.