Authorities say the pop singer was taken into custody late Wednesday and later released pending a court appearance in May.

By yourNEWS Media Newsroom

Pop star Britney Spears was arrested Wednesday night in Ventura County, California, on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to multiple media reports.

The 44-year-old singer was stopped and taken into custody by the California Highway Patrol at approximately 9:30 p.m., with booking procedures completed early Thursday morning at around 3 a.m., according to details cited in a report by Variety that described the arrest.

Records reviewed by the outlet indicated Spears has since been released from custody and is scheduled to appear in court on May 4 in connection with the charge.

The incident occurred shortly after Spears secured a legal victory in a separate matter. According to TMZ, which reported on the arrest, a court recently granted the singer a permanent restraining order against a Louisiana man who allegedly appeared at her Los Angeles home after posting what were described as disturbing messages on social media.

Spears has previously faced legal issues related to driving incidents.

In 2007, the singer faced four misdemeanor charges connected to an alleged hit-and-run involving a parked vehicle in Los Angeles. The charges were ultimately dismissed after Spears compensated the vehicle’s owner for damages, and a jury later acquitted her of an additional charge alleging she had driven without a valid California license.

That period also coincided with highly publicized personal challenges. Following a series of incidents and reported concerns involving substance use, Spears lost custody of her two sons with former husband Kevin Federline.

Authorities have not released further details about the circumstances surrounding the Ventura County arrest. Spears’ court appearance is currently scheduled for early May.