Jonathan Taylor Thomas detained after alleged altercation with police

Former child actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas, known for the sitcom ‘Home Improvement’ and voicing Simba in ‘The Lion King’, was detained following a traffic stop in Westlake Village, California, on September 21, 2026.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, deputies stopped a vehicle after it remained stationary at a green light, blocking traffic. While officers conducted a DUI investigation on the driver, Thomas, who was a passenger, allegedly interfered with the process. Authorities stated that Thomas appeared intoxicated, repeatedly exited the vehicle, and approached deputies despite instructions to remain inside.

The situation escalated when deputies attempted to detain Thomas for obstruction and public intoxication; he reportedly kicked a deputy in the stomach. Thomas was booked at the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station and released the following day. Some reports indicate the incident was later reclassified as a detention rather than an arrest. The case is expected to be submitted to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office for a decision on potential charges.