Justin Bieber Photographer Charged: Four Counts Under New Paparazzi Law
The photographer who led a high speed chase while following Justin Bieber in Los Angeles had criminal charges filed against him.
Paul Raef led a group of paparazzi photographers in his Toyota Rav 4 to follow Bieber on a high speed chase while he was driving his silver Fisker Karma.
TMZ reported that the Los Angeles City Attorney's office confirmed that Raef was charged with four misdemeanors for the incident on July 6; 2 counts for following another vehicle too closely and reckless driving with the intent to capture pictures for commercial gain, 1 count of reckless driving and 1 count of failing to obey the lawful order of a peace officer.
Both Raef and Bieber were driving 80 miles per hour on the highway and on the shoulder causing other cars to drive erratically. While the 18-year-old was issued a speeding ticket, Raef sped away and was later caught by local police.
Bieber later made a second phone call to police stating that he was being followed a second time by Raef and later filed a complaint.
TMZ reported that witnesses saw Bieber, Raef and others cars driven by photographers swerving in and out of lanes during the high speed chase. Many calls were made, including one from City Councilman Dennis Zine. TMZ obtained a copy of Zine's 911 call:
"A crazy chase going down" -- with 5 or 6 vehicles led by "a silver car" he said referring to Bieber's vehicle. He also stated that Bieber was "cutting off cars" and "weaving in and out" of traffic at 90 mph and that the drivers of the cards were "driving like maniacs."
Raef is facing a possibility of spending one year in jail and being fined up to $3,500.
Raef's prosecution is the first under California's AB 2479, which has been nicknamed the "paparazzi law."
"It was a very dangerous, chaotic situation," Zine said. "I was driving 60 to 65 miles per hour. When [Bieber] passed me, he was...driving in a careless, reckless fashion."
California Highway Patrol eventually pulled Bieber over, cited him for speeding, and released the popster, but not before Raef sped off. About 30 minutes later, Justin called police to report he was being harassed on the interstate by the same Toyota. Officers eventually collared Raef after identifying his vehicle's license plate in a downtown L.A. parking garage.
