UPDATE:  The story just became much sadder.  It turns out Richie wasn’t alone when he was pulled over.  His current girlfriend, daughter and another young girl were inside the car at the time.

Poor Ava Sambora.  In the past month, the young girl has seen both of her parents thrust into the media spotlight…and for less than happy reasons.

Back on March 8, the 10-year-old’s mother (Heather Locklear) had paramedics make a surprise visit to her home.  Someone from outside her residence called 911 believing the actress was suicidal.  (She claims she wasn’t.)  Now - just more than two weeks later - Ava’s dad is having is own turn with the authorities.

TMZ reports that rocker Richie Sambora was pulled over late last night when he was spotted driving erratically.  After the Laguna Beach officers stopped him, the musician failed several field sobriety tests and was promptly detained.  Sambora has since been released from custody.

This latest incident marks Richie’s ongoing troubles with the bottle.  Twice last year, the Bon Jovi performer admitted himself into rehab for problems with alcohol.  His first stay happened shortly after he hit several rough patches in his life:  his 12-year marriage to Locklear had officially ended, his father died of lung cancer and his questionable relationship with Denise Richards had come to a close.  Unfortunately, based on last night’s events, it appears he may still have some personal work to attend to.