Bobby Brown arrested on drunk driving charge

In this Feb. 18, 2012 file photo, singer Bobby Brown, former husband of the late Whitney Houston performs with New Edition at Mohegan Sun Casino in Uncasville, Conn. (AP2012)

LOS ANGELES – Officials in Southern California say Bobby Brown has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

California Highway Patrol Officer Mike Harris says Brown was arrested around 12:20 p.m. Monday in the San Fernando Valley north of Los Angeles. He failed a field sobriety test and was booked on suspicion of DUI.

Harris says the R&B singer was pulled over after an officer saw him talking on his cellphone without a hands-free unit and noticed he appeared to be impaired.

Los Angeles police say Brown was released from jail on his own recognizance shortly before 2 p.m.

The 43-year-old is the ex-husband of Whitney Houston and a founding member of the group New Edition.

An email message to his attorney, Christopher Brown, was not immediately returned.