Prosecutors are considering criminal charges in an altercation involving actor Jonathan Taylor Thomas during a traffic stop last month in Westlake Village, authorities told NBC4 Investigates.
The case was submitted by detectives to the Ventura County District Attorney’s Office, which said it is now under review for possible charges. Law enforcement sources told NBC4 Investigates that the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department submitted the case with possible charges of drunk in public and felony battery on a peace officer.
Thomas was was a passenger in a car encountered by deputies at about 12:30 a.m. Sept. 21 at the intersection of Westlake Boulevard and Townsgate Road.
In a statement, the LASD said deputies pulled up alongside the car blocking traffic as it was stopped at the intersection with a green light. Deputies conducted a DUI investigation, during which Thomas got out of the passenger’s seat and repeatedly approached them. Deputies attempted to detain Thomas for obstruction and public intoxication, but he kicked a deputy in the stomach, the LASD said.
Thomas was booked on suspicion of felony obstruction and public intoxication.
NBCLA has reached out to Thomas for comment. Jail records indicated he was released from custody.
The driver was arrested on suspicion of DUI.
Anyone who witnessed the altercation or has information related to the investigation was asked to call the Malibu/Lost Hills Sheriff’s Station Detective Bureau at 818-878-1808.
Thomas, 45, launched his career in print and TV ads as a child before taking on acting roles the 1990s, appearing as Randy Taylor on the show “Home Improvement.”
He was the voice of young Simba in “The Lion King” (1994) and appeared in “Man of the House” (1995), “Tom and Huck” (1995) and “The Adventures of Pinocchio” (1996).