Former Home Improvement actor Zachery Ty Bryan is once again facing legal trouble after being taken into custody in Eugene, Oregon, over the weekend.

According to People, the 44-year-old actor was arrested on Saturday, Nov. 29, and charged with violating his probation related to a prior domestic violence conviction. The arrest marks Bryan’s sixth in just five years and adds to a string of offenses spanning multiple states and charges.

Bryan is being held without bail at Lane County Jail and is scheduled for release on Wednesday, Dec. 3. His fiancée, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, was also arrested and faces multiple charges, including driving under the influence and attempted assault.

Multiple charges for both Bryan and fiancée

Court records show that Cartwright, who remains in custody as of Sunday, Nov. 30, faces five charges in total. These include one count of DUI, three counts of reckless endangerment, and one count of attempted first-degree assault. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether Bryan or Cartwright has obtained legal counsel.

Bryan’s arrest stems from a probation violation connected to a 2020 domestic violence conviction. He had been serving a probation sentence expected to end in October 2026, as previously reported by KEZI, a local outlet in Oregon.

The actor, widely recognized for playing Brad Taylor on the 1990s ABC sitcom Home Improvement, has faced repeated legal problems that have overshadowed his former television success. His troubles have ranged from domestic disputes to DUI arrests and assault charges.

History of domestic violence incidents

Bryan’s most recent prior arrest was in January when he was taken into custody by Myrtle Beach police in South Carolina. According to People, a woman who lived with Bryan and shared children with him accused him of choking and punching her multiple times during a domestic dispute.

The police report indicated that others were present during the incident, which involved Cartwright, the same woman now facing separate charges. The couple shares three children: Kennedy, Parker, and Sequoia.

Before this, Bryan had already been arrested twice in 2024, both times for driving under the influence — first in February, and again in October. Those incidents followed earlier assault and harassment charges in 2023.

Legal history and probation terms

In 2023, Bryan pleaded guilty to felony assault in the fourth degree involving domestic violence. Lane County’s chief deputy district attorney, Chris Parosa, said at the time that Bryan received a favorable plea agreement, avoiding a lengthy prison sentence.

Under the terms of his plea deal, Bryan was sentenced to seven days in jail and 36 months of supervised probation, along with standard domestic violence conditions. He was also required to avoid contact with the victim unless approved by his probation officer.

Parosa said prosecutors agreed to dismiss additional charges — including robbery and harassment — as part of a negotiated resolution. Bryan’s probation period began in late 2023 and was expected to continue through October 2026.

Lessons to Learn

Instances like Zachery Ty Bryan’s continued legal troubles offer several real-world lessons for readers:

1. Recognize warning signs in relationships. The history of domestic violence in this case shows how prior incidents often escalate. Knowing how to identify controlling or violent behaviors can help people make informed decisions about their safety.
2. Substance use can complicate legal and family issues. Recurring DUI charges in Bryan’s past emphasize how substance misuse can lead to dangerous behavior, legal consequences, and family disruption. Seeking help early is crucial.
3. Understand that probation is not forgiveness—it's a second chance. The court often gives individuals the opportunity to avoid prison by complying with strict rules. Repeated violations, as in this case, demonstrate how seriously probation terms are treated by the justice system.

Why This Story Matters

This story matters because it highlights the ongoing issue of domestic violence and how repeated arrests can indicate systemic enforcement and rehabilitation failures. It also draws public attention to the challenges of transitioning from child stardom into adulthood, especially when combined with legal and personal turmoil. Understanding these cycles is vital for better policy, support services, and community awareness. Longtime fans of Bryan may find this news shocking, but it underscores how criminal behavior, particularly involving intimate partners, requires a community-wide call for accountability and victims’ protection.

Conclusion

Actor Zachery Ty Bryan was arrested again on Nov. 29, 2025, in Eugene, Oregon, on allegations he violated his probation related to a previous domestic violence case. He continues to be held without bail at Lane County Jail. His fiancée, Johnnie Faye Cartwright, was also arrested with unrelated charges, including DUI and assault. Bryan’s long history of legal issues dates back to 2020 and includes domestic violence convictions, multiple DUIs, and other criminal charges. He is scheduled for release on Dec. 3, though his future in and out of the legal system remains uncertain.