Jonathan Taylor Thomas Arrested After Traffic Stop Incident

Former Home Improvement actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas was arrested after an encounter with Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies during a traffic stop on September 21, according to multiple reports citing law enforcement.

Thomas, whose legal name is Jonathan Taylor Weiss, was a passenger in a vehicle stopped during a suspected DUI investigation. Authorities said he repeatedly left the vehicle after being instructed to remain inside, interfering with deputies as they dealt with the driver.

What authorities allege happened

In a statement reported by entertainment outlets, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department said deputies attempted to detain Thomas for obstruction and public intoxication. Authorities further alleged that he kicked a deputy in the stomach during the encounter.

Thomas was booked at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station and released the following day. Reports differ in how they describe the suspected obstruction offense, but they agree that prosecutors had not filed charges at the time of publication. The case is expected to be submitted for review, meaning the reported allegations have not been tested in court.

The driver was separately arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence, according to the law-enforcement account. Thomas was not identified as the person driving.

A rare public update on the former child star

Thomas, 45, became one of the best-known young television actors of the 1990s as Randy Taylor, the middle son on ABC’s Home Improvement. He also voiced young Simba in Disney’s 1994 animated version of The Lion King and appeared in films including Wild America and I’ll Be Home for Christmas.

He later stepped away from regular screen work and has kept a low public profile. That long absence has made sightings and updates about him relatively uncommon, but it does not change the legal distinction at the center of this incident: an arrest is not a conviction, and the district attorney will decide whether any charges should be pursued.