‘Home Improvement’ Star Jonathan Taylor Thomas Arrested After Traffic Stop
By Andrew Powell (/journals/andrew-powell)
Jonathan Taylor Thomas, best known for playing Randy Taylor on “Home Improvement,” was arrested Monday in Westlake Village, California, after authorities accused him of obstructing an investigation and being drunk in public. According to court records obtained by Fox News, Thomas was booked at the Malibu/Lost Hills sheriff’s station and later released. The circumstances surrounding the arrest were also reported by TMZ and People magazine. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Thomas was a passenger in a vehicle stopped by deputies. Authorities were reportedly conducting a DUI investigation involving the driver when Thomas allegedly left the vehicle after being instructed to remain inside. The situation escalated when deputies attempted to detain Thomas. People reported that law enforcement said he was uncooperative, failed to follow instructions and interfered with the investigation. Authorities told People that Thomas was arrested for obstruction and public intoxication. The outlet also reported that Thomas allegedly kicked a deputy in the stomach when officers attempted to take him into custody. The arrest comes just months after Thomas made a rare public appearance alongside two of his former “Home Improvement” co-stars. In July, Patricia Richardson, who played Jill Taylor on the sitcom, shared a reunion photo featuring Thomas and Taran Noah Smith, who played her sons Randy and Mark Taylor. Richardson captioned the image, “My other boys,” with a heart emoji. Thomas became one of the most recognizable child stars of the 1990s through his role on “Home Improvement,” which starred Tim Allen as his television father. He also appeared in movies such as “Tom and Huck” and “Man of the House” and provided the voice of young Simba in Disney’s “The Lion King.” Despite his success, Thomas stepped away from Hollywood while still young. He explained to People in 2013 that he had been working continuously since age 8 and wanted time for school, travel and a break. Thomas departed “Home Improvement” during its eighth and final season, with his character leaving for Costa Rica. He later returned to television for several episodes of Tim Allen’s “Last Man Standing,” appearing between 2013 and 2015 and directing three episodes. His recent reunion with Richardson and Smith offered fans a rare glimpse of the former child star before his latest legal troubles. Watch the video below: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7MODftP58M