Why was Darius McCrary arrested? Family Matters’ Star Faces Legal Trouble: Here’s Why

Darius McCrary, best known for his role as Eddie Winslow on the hit sitcom Family Matters, was arrested on October 5 at the U.S.-Mexico border in California. The actor was taken into custody under a “fugitive arrest,” indicating he was wanted in another state. He is currently being held in a San Diego jail and cannot post bail at this time.

McCrary’s representative, Ann Barlow, clarified to TMZ that the arrest stemmed from the actor missing a scheduled court appearance related to unpaid child support. The warrant, classified as a felony, was issued from the state of Michigan.

Court records from San Diego confirm that McCrary is involved in a criminal case and is due to appear in court again on October 15.

This is not McCrary’s first legal issue tied to child support. He has been embroiled in a long-standing legal dispute with his former wife, Tawnny Brawner, over custody and support for their daughter, Zoey.

Prior to their divorce being finalized in 2019, McCrary faced accusations of injuring his daughter. According to People Magazine, Brawner claimed that while taking Zoey to the bathroom, McCrary “grabbed” her, resulting in a partially dislocated arm. The injury was later diagnosed as Nursemaid’s elbow—a condition common in young children. McCrary denied the allegations, stating he only grabbed her hand during the incident.

In 2018, the actor was arrested in Michigan for failing to make child support payments and spent nearly two weeks in jail. At the time, a judge ordered him to pay $5,500 or remain incarcerated.

As part of their finalized divorce settlement in 2019, McCrary was ordered to pay $1,366 per month in child support, including $916 for basic support and $415 for child care. Brawner was granted full legal and physical custody of their daughter. McCrary was also required to attend batterers’ intervention, parenting, and alcohol/drug abuse programs. Additionally, court documents outlined a structured visitation plan starting with monitored visits, eventually leading to unmonitored ones, pending completion of court-mandated requirements.

In 2023, McCrary was again arrested for allegedly failing to meet his child support obligations. He faced felony charges and was accused of owing $52,788.04. After pleading not guilty, he was ordered to pay a bond of $13,197.01, according to Complex.

The ongoing legal battles mark a troubling pattern for the actor, whose personal issues continue to draw legal scrutiny and media attention.