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Charges filed against paparazzo chasing Justin Bieber

While many have wondered if Bieber would be charged, the prosecuting attorney has decided to file charges against the photographer using a never-before-used law meant to protect celebrities.

Justin BieberA July incident on a Los Angeles freeway left Justin Bieber worried about his safety. And now, the paparazzo involved has been charged with four crimes.

In 2010, California passed a law that was aimed at paparazzi putting the public in danger in an attempt to get celebrity photos.

“Los Angeles prosecutors have filed criminal charges against a paparazzo photographer for allegedly racing across a Los Angeles freeway in an effort to get photographs of Justin Bieber,” said the Associated Press.

Not only is the prosecuting attorney using the 2010 law to prosecute this case, but it is the first time it has been used since it was passed.

“The case marks the first use of a 2010 state law designed to prevent paparazzi from dangerously pursuing celebrities for photos,” according to the Associated Press.

Justin Bieber was cited for going 80 miles per hour in a 65 mph zone, but a city councilman said he saw the singer going much faster.

“Bieber was driving like a maniac. He was weaving in and out of traffic,” Councilman Dennis Zine told TMZ. “There was hardly any space between cars as he weaved from lane to lane.”

However, the officer who pulled over Bieber disagreed.

“Bieber, whom police described as polite and cooperative when pulled over, was issued a traffic ticket for speeding and was released,” Reuters said. “He was cited for driving 80 mph in a 65 mph zone.”

Zine claimed he was going 60 mph and “he drove by me like he was in a rocket ship,” he told TMZ.

Bieber was pulled over, cited and then let go, where the paparazzi allegedly starting following him again. This time, he called 911.

“The City Attorney’s office said Wednesday that 30-year-old Paul Raef faces four charges, including reckless driving with the intent to capture pictures for commercial gain, following another vehicle too closely and reckless driving,” the Associated Press reports.

Photo courtesy HRC/ WENN.com

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