Jonathan Taylor Thomas Detained After DUI Traffic Stop: Police Say He Was a Passenger and Allege Obstruction

Jonathan Taylor Thomas was taken into custody during a drink-driving investigation in Westlake Village, California, but police identified the former Home Improvement star as a passenger, rather than the driver.

The 45-year-old actor allegedly disrupted deputies investigating the motorist and kicked an officer when they attempted to detain him, according to ABC7's reporting of a Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department statement.

The encounter occurred on 21 September 2026. Thomas was subsequently released, and the latest reporting available on 24 September said no criminal charges had been filed.

Why Police Approached the Car

Deputies spotted a vehicle stationary at a green light near Westlake Boulevard and Townsgate Road, blocking traffic, according to the department's account.

They pulled alongside to check whether the driver needed assistance. After noticing signs of possible intoxication, deputies conducted a traffic stop and began investigating suspected driving under the influence, commonly known as DUI in the United States.

Police said the driver was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Thomas was identified as the passenger. The allegations involving Thomas concern his behaviour during the investigation, rather than an accusation that he was driving while intoxicated.

What Police Allege

While deputies performed field sobriety tests on the driver, Thomas allegedly repeatedly left the vehicle and approached them, distracting them from their investigation.

Police said he appeared intoxicated. When deputies attempted to detain him on suspicion of obstruction and public intoxication, he allegedly kicked a deputy in the stomach.

The department said Thomas was arrested and booked at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff's Station.

Those allegations remain the police account of the encounter. They have not been established in court.

Release and Charging Status

Thomas was released on 22 September, and the incident was subsequently reclassified as a detention. That reported classification should not be described as a conviction, an acquittal or the dismissal of criminal charges.

ABC7 reported that no charges had been filed and that the sheriff's department intended to submit the case to the Ventura County District Attorney's Office for consideration. An intended referral does not establish that prosecutors have accepted a case or decided to prosecute.

No direct response from Thomas was identified in the reporting reviewed for this article.

From Home Improvement to Disney Films

Thomas became a household name playing Randy Taylor, one of Tim Allen's on-screen sons in Home Improvement. He also provided young Simba's speaking voice in Disney's 1994 animated film The Lion King.

Born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, Thomas moved to Sacramento, California, with his family when he was five. His early work included modelling, commercials and a regional stage production of Scrooge, in which he played Tiny Tim. His television credits also include The Bradys, before Home Improvement brought him wider recognition.

His film career extended beyond Simba. Thomas played Tom Sawyer opposite Brad Renfro in Disney's 1995 adventure Tom and Huck, adapted from Mark Twain's novel. He also took the title role in The Adventures of Pinocchio and was named Young Star of the Year at ShoWest in 1996, recognising his appeal.

His other credits include Man of the House and I'll Be Home for Christmas. He later stepped back from regular acting work to pursue his education, returning occasionally to television, including appearances alongside Allen in Last Man Standing.