Paparazzo Killed Crossing Road to Take Photo of Justin Bieber’s Car

A paparazzo was killed yesterday evening in Los Angeles after spending the better part of the day chasing around Justin Bieber’s Ferrari, all for a possible photo of the teen smoking marijuana.

TMZ is reporting that the photographer, Chris Guerra, felt that he was on a huge story: while everyone believed Bieber and Selena Gomez were in Mexico, they were actually in LA, and Justin had been allegedly smoking marijuana from a pipe while driving.

Guerra was staking out the Four Seasons Hotel when he saw the Ferrari leave the garage, and determined to get a shot, he followed the car until it was pulled over by California Highway Patrol on LA’s 405 Freeway for speeding.

What he didn’t realize was that neither teen pop star was actually in the vehicle at the time, and it was being driven by rapper Lil Twist, with another friend in the passenger seat.

Guerra got out of his car on the other side of Sepulveda Blvd and crossed to take some pictures of the traffic stop.  Cops told him twice to get back in his car, and when he tried to cross back, he was struck by an SUV and killed.

Bieber released a statement, saying,

“While I was not present nor directly involved with this tragic accident, my thoughts and prayers are with the family of the victim.”

“Hopefully this tragedy will finally inspire meaningful legislation and whatever other necessary steps to protect the lives and safety of celebrities, police officers, innocent public bystanders, and the photographers themselves.”

Bieber’s rep also released a statement, saying,

“It’s really sad that people are trying to push a story without the facts so soon after this tragic accident. Justin was not present or involved in this incident and the focus should remain on honoring the memory of the victim.”

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