Former Home Improvement star Zachery Ty Bryan finds himself incarcerated once again following a disturbing domestic altercation in Oregon over the weekend. The 44-year-old actor, who has a history of domestic-related arrests, was taken into custody alongside his 32-year-old fiancée, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, after she allegedly attempted to run him over with their three young children present in the vehicle.
Details of the Disturbing Incident
According to official records from the Lane County Sheriff's Office, the incident unfolded on Saturday afternoon in Fall Creek. The engaged couple, who reside in Eugene, Oregon, were driving together with their three small children. Authorities report that Bryan exited the pickup truck and began walking down a road.
Police state that Cartwright then allegedly attempted to run over Bryan, crashing the truck into a ditch with the children still inside. Fortunately, Bryan managed to avoid injury, and no one inside the vehicle was hurt. Eyewitnesses were interviewed at the scene.
Both individuals were described as 'impaired' at the time of the incident. The children were later placed with a family member.
Charges and Legal History
Following an investigation, Cartwright was arrested for Attempted Assault in the First Degree, three counts of Recklessly Endangering, and DUI. She was arraigned on Monday, pleading not guilty to charges including driving under the influence and reckless endangerment.
Bryan was arrested for violating a probation order stemming from an original charge of Assault in the Fourth Degree. Jail records indicate he was held without bail and was slated to remain in custody until at least Wednesday. The arrest violated a court order for him to stay away from his fiancée.
This event adds to Bryan's lengthy legal troubles. He was previously arrested for domestic violence in Oregon in October 2020, pleading guilty to menacing and assault. Another arrest followed in Horry County, South Carolina, this past January, with that case still ongoing.
Actor's Explanation and Past Accusations
In a recent statement to TMZ, Bryan linked his struggles to the difficult transition from childhood fame. 'Being thrust into the spotlight at nine-years-old brought pressures I wasn't equipped to handle,' he said, while acknowledging this was no excuse for his adult actions.
He expressed deep regret, stating domestic violence is 'unacceptable,' and cited a history of addiction and poor decision-making. Bryan claimed he is now committed to therapy and rehabilitation programs.
This incident follows closely on the heels of a separate restraining order granted to an ex-girlfriend earlier this month. She alleged in court documents that Bryan became physically violent in July, punching her in the head and threatening to kill her.
Bryan, best known for playing Brad Taylor on the hit ABC sitcom Home Improvement from 1991 to 1999, appeared on 203 episodes alongside Tim Allen. Allen commented in 2022 that Bryan had grown into a 'complex man' and that he could not control the situations Bryan was facing.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support.
