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March 28, 2008

Sambora's big bounce

Bon Jovi guitarist's DUI arrest to bring another stint in rehab; breakups with Locklear, Richards blamed

Bon Jovi guitarist Richie Sambora is on his way back to rehab after his DUI arrest, a source inside the band's management team told me Wednesday.

And this stay will be "for a longer time," said the source. "He needs to get well.''

Sambora, who was in rehab twice last year for drug and alcohol treatment, was picked up around 11 p.m. Tuesday in Laguna Beach, Calif., after police observed his black Hummer weaving in traffic. At the time of his arrest, Sambora was with a woman and two young girls -- one later identified as his and ex-wife Heather Locklear's daughter Ava, 10.

Spokesfolks for Sambora, his band and Locklear all declined comment Wednesday.

According to Laguna Beach Police Sgt. Jason Kravetz, Sambora was given field sobriety tests and arrested without incident. ''He was extremely cooperative with the everyone,'' Kravetz said. He was booked and then released around 4 a.m. Wednesday.

The other adult -- who was not identified (but believed to be a nanny) -- was instructed by Locklear to drive her daughter home.

Sambora will appear in court May 7 to face the single count of driving under the influence. It's also expected he will be charged with endangering the lives of minor children.

''Richie has been on such a downward spiral,'' his friend told this column Wednesday, requesting anonymity. ''He hasn't gotten over Heather or Denise.''

Sambora, a founding member of Bon Jovi, last year broke up with Charlie Sheen's ex-wife, Denise Richards -- an intriguing relationship, given the actress used to be Locklear's best friend. That marriage ended last April, shortly after Sambora's father died of lung cancer.

Posted by riesambo at March 28, 2008 10:58 PM