A Malibu, Calif., sheriff's detective will be assigned to investigate the BB gun shooting of a photographer who was staking out Britney Spears over the weekend.

"Because of the media attention, we'll probably put this on the front burner to settle the whole thing," said sheriff's Sgt. Robert Knudson.

A detective was to be assigned to the case Monday, authorities said.

The photographer, Brad Diaz, was shot in the leg while standing in the street 150 feet to 200 feet from a home where Spears was believed to be attending a baby shower in her honor, authorities said. It was unclear whether the 23-year-old pop star was inside at the time.

Diaz, who was hospitalized and released several hours later, said the BB came from the direction of the home, Knudson said.