Justin Bieber, Paparazzo Killed: Attempts to Photograph Singer's Ferrari, Struck by Car: Biebs Offers Condolences, Hopes for Safer Legislation

On New Year's Day, an avid paparazzo was struck by a car and killed on a L.A. Freeway after attempting to photograph pop star Justin Bieber's white Ferrari. While the 18-year-old "Boyfriend" crooner wasn't in the sports vehicle at the time, he did issue a statement offering his heartfelt condolences and expressing his hopes for better legislation to ensure the safety of celebrities and the paparazzi.

According to police reports, Bieber's Ferrari was pulled over by cops for a traffic stop near an off-ramp of Interstate 405. Although Bieber's friend was actually driving the vehicle, the paparazzo-in-question quickly hoped out of his own car in hopes of snapping pics of the teen sensation.  Authorities told the man to return to his vehicle twice - he was then reportedly run down while crossing the busy street to his car.

Los Angeles police Officer James Stoughton stated that the unidentified man died at a local hospital Tuesday evening.

Bieber released in a recent statement:

"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."

This is not the Biebs' first dangerous interaction with the paparazzi. Back in July, the singer was involved in a high-speed chase down a busy L.A. highway involving an eager pack of paparazzo. L.A. city councilman Dennis Zine (who actually witnessed the chase) stated that it was definitely a "tragedy waiting to happen." The LAPD reservist has since sponsored legislation that would impose tougher punishment on photographers who break the law while pursuing celebrities.

UPDATE: Justin Bieber and Selena Gomez Break Up: Biebs Smokes Pot with Mystery Girl, Lil Twist at Hotel Party Following Paparazzo Death? [PHOTOS]