In this handout image provided by the Sag Harbor Police Department, Justin Timberlake is seen in a booking photo on June 18, 2024 in Sag Harbor, New York. Timberlake was charged with driving while intoxicate. Photo: TNS
Prior to his June arrest for driving while intoxicated in the Hamptons, Justin Timberlake both refused and failed multiple field sobriety tests, according to police documents obtained by multiple outlets on Tuesday.
After he was pulled over in Sag Harbor for blowing through a stop sign in the early hours of June 18, the pop star verbally refused rookie cop Michael Arkinson’s three attempts to administer a Breathalyser test.
Arkinson noted in the documents that Timberlake was unsteady, smelled like alcohol and had slowed speech, glassy eyes and trouble paying attention.
During a walk-and-turn test, Timberlake was “very unbalanced,” did not follow directions and turned the wrong way, according to the report.
In another test, Timberlake was unable to raise one foot for 30 seconds without moving. He failed to keep his balance and put his foot down before the 30 seconds had passed.
Arkinson then decided to arrest Timberlake and took him into custody.
Timberlake told police he “had one martini” at the American Hotel, where he had been hanging out with friends, according to court records. The bartender at the hotel confirmed they only served Timberlake a single drink.
Timberlake’s attorney, Edward Burke, has repeatedly claimed his client was not intoxicated and that police failed to evaluate the people who were with the singer.
“The police made a number of very significant errors in this case,” Burke said during a July court hearing.
Timberlake was rearraigned last Friday on the DWI charge. He appeared virtually and pleaded not guilty.
Judge Carl Irace suspended his Tennessee driver’s license and scheduled another hearing for this Friday. Timberlake, who is currently in Europe on his world tour, will not be required to attend. – New York Daily News/Tribune News Service
