Justin Bieber pulled over for speeding as paparazzi pursue (VIDEO)

GlobalPost

Saying his was just trying to avoid the paparazzi, Justin Bieber received a speeding ticket today in Los Angeles.

A witness called the whole situation “horrific.”

Dennis Zine, a LA council member and former police officer, told NBC he was driving 60 mph on the 101 Freeway when the 18-year-old Canadian-born pop star whizzed past him.

“It was absolutely outrageous,” Zine told NBC. “Horrific. They were driving with complete disregard for people and property, weaving in and out of traffic. I was heading in an easterly direction and this car came by me at least 100 miles per hour. He drove by like he was in a rocket ship.”

TMZ.com reported Bieber was driving his chrome Fisker Karma, an electric sportscar he received from his manager, Scooter Braun, for his 18th birthday.

More from GlobalPost: Justin Bieber wanted for police questioning after fight with paparazzo

Braun told TMZ that Zine “is just a councilman looking for a headline,” and police gave Bieber a ticket for driving 80 mph.

The California Highway Patrol saw two vehicles speeding near Coldwater Canyon northwest of Los Angeles, Agence France-Presse said.

“Officers made an enforcement stop on one of the vehicles, took him off the freeway,” CHP’s Vince Ramirez told AFP. “He was issued a citation for speeding.”

TMZ also reported that Bieber called 911 in response to the paparazzi’s pursuit, and police gave them a warning.

More from GlobalPost: Bieber fans flood Mexico City plaza for free concert

Help keep The World going strong!

The article you just read is free because dedicated readers and listeners like you chose to support our nonprofit newsroom. Our team works tirelessly to ensure you hear the latest in international, human-centered reporting every weekday. But our work would not be possible without you. We need your help.

Make a gift today to help us reach our $25,000 goal and keep The World going strong. Every gift will get us one step closer.