Britney Spears has returned home after being arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Southern California, according to a source close to the singer.
The 44-year-old singer was taken into custody late Wednesday night after authorities reported erratic driving near Westlake Village, about 40 miles northwest of Los Angeles.
Spears was released early Thursday morning following a brief stay at the Ventura County jail. Officials said the arrest followed a traffic stop initiated by the California Highway Patrol.
According to law enforcement, the singer was suspected of driving under the influence of a combination of alcohol and drugs. Chemical test results are still pending as the investigation continues.
A source familiar with the situation said Spears returned home shortly after her release. The same source described the singer as deeply shaken by the events.
“She’s very emotional and regretful this morning,” the source said.
Authorities say the incident began when another driver called 911 to report a vehicle being driven erratically along the 101 Freeway. Officers later located the car and initiated a traffic stop.
Spears was the only person inside the vehicle at the time of the stop, according to officials.
Traffic Stop and Arrest
The California Highway Patrol said Spears showed signs of impairment during the stop. Officers conducted field sobriety tests before taking her into custody.
Authorities later booked Spears in the early hours of Thursday morning. Records show she was released around 6 a.m. under a cite-and-release procedure.
During the arrest process, Spears was transported to a nearby hospital where officers obtained a blood sample to determine her blood alcohol level.
Officials said the investigation remains active. Spears is scheduled to appear in court on May 4.
Statement From Representative
Following the arrest, Spears’ representative issued a public statement acknowledging the seriousness of the incident.
“This was an unfortunate incident that is completely inexcusable,” the statement said. “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 representative also expressed hope that the singer would receive support during the difficult moment.
“Hopefully she can get the help and support she needs during this difficult time,” the statement added.
Spears’ family and close friends are reportedly focused on helping her move forward.
“Her boys are going to be spending time with her,” the representative said. “Her loved ones are going to come up with an overdue needed plan to set her up for success for well-being.”
A Complicated Public Life
Spears rose to international fame in the late 1990s with hits such as “…Baby One More Time” and “Oops!… I Did It Again.” She later became the center of the #FreeBritney movement, which supported her efforts to end a court-ordered conservatorship that lasted more than a decade.
A judge terminated the conservatorship in 2021, restoring Spears’ control over her personal and financial decisions.
In recent years, the singer has remained a prominent figure in entertainment news. Her bestselling memoir, The Woman in Me, detailed years of public scrutiny and personal struggles.