Justin Bieber paparazzo faces charges over car chase

A paparazzo has been charged over a high-speed car chase involving teen pop star Justin Bieber earlier this month.

Paul Raef, a freelance photographer, faces four charges, including reckless driving and following another vehicle too closely, and could spend up to a year in the clink if he is convicted, Los Angeles Times reported, citing Los Angeles City Attorney Carmen Trutanich.

Raef also faces fines of up to $3,500. He will appear in court on August 9.

The 18-year-old Canadian-born pop star was driving his Fisker Karma electric sportscar on July 6 when he was pulled over by California Highway Patrol on 101 Freeway in the San Fernando Valley.

He was ticketed for driving in excess of 80 miles per hour.

Raef, who was one of several photographers in pursuit of Bieber, was seen driving his Toyota SUV “at speeds well over 80 miles an hour across all lanes and on the shoulder," the Associated Press reported.

TMZ said motorists were forced to “apply their brakes and swerve to avoid colliding” with Bieber and the other vehicles.

Police later caught up with Raef when they spotted his car in a downtown Los Angeles parking lot where other paparazzi had gathered.

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