Jonathan Taylor Thomas, best known for playing Randy Taylor on the 1990s sitcom Home Improvement, was arrested early Monday, September 21, in Westlake Village, California, after allegedly resisting sheriff's deputies during a traffic stop.
How the Incident Started
According to the Los Angeles Sheriff's Department, Malibu/Lost Hills station, the incident began around 12:30 a.m. when a vehicle was pulled over for a DUI investigation. Thomas, 45, was a passenger in the car at the time.
What Law Enforcement Says Happened
A representative for law enforcement told People magazine: "The driver was being detained for DUI investigation. Sometime during the investigation, Mr. Taylor decided he would exit the vehicle. Deputies told him to sit back down in the vehicle. He was uncooperative with them, failed to follow orders, and obstructed the investigation, so he was arrested for obstruction, and he was arrested for drunk in public." TMZ additionally reported that Thomas refused to remain inside the vehicle after being told to do so and became uncooperative with deputies at the scene.
Booking and Release
Thomas was booked at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station jail at approximately 1:50 a.m., according to jail records cited by People magazine, and was released roughly 34 hours later. The identity of the vehicle's driver has not been publicly disclosed, and it remains unclear whether any formal charges have been filed — a determination that would fall to the district attorney's office.
A Notably Timed Public Reappearance
The arrest comes just weeks after Thomas made a rare public appearance, reuniting with Home Improvement co-stars Patricia Richardson and Taran Noah Smith in a photo Richardson shared on Instagram in July, captioned "My other boys." The reunion offered fans an uncommon glimpse of Thomas, who largely stepped back from the spotlight after becoming one of the most recognizable child stars of the 1990s.
Background on 'Home Improvement'
Home Improvement ran for eight seasons and starred Tim Allen as Tim "The Toolman" Taylor alongside Richardson as his wife, Jill. Thomas played middle son Randy, while Smith played youngest son Mark and Zachery Ty Bryan played oldest son Brad — the trio becoming household names throughout the show's run.
What's Next
With Thomas already released from custody and the district attorney's office yet to determine whether formal charges will be filed, further legal developments in the case remain to be seen. For continuing coverage, see the original TMZ report.