Melissa Rycroft’s Mugshot Released Following DWI Arrest
Melissa Rycroft’s booking photo has been made public following her arrest for purportedly driving under the influence last month.
In the image, which Us Weekly acquired on Friday, October 3, the 42-year-old former Bachelor star appeared disheveled against a teal backdrop.
Rycroft’s eyes were puffy in the mugshot, and her brown hair was styled to one side. Her face also exhibited redness.
The image was released after it was reported that Rycroft was detained on September 23 in Texas for a DWI. According to TMZ, she was freed on bond eight hours later after paying a $1,000 bail and committing to appear in court.
At the time of the incident, Rycroft supposedly informed officers that a different driver had hit her car and fled the scene. However, an eyewitness reportedly contradicted her account based on a search warrant acquired by the outlet, stating Rycroft’s vehicle was the only one involved.
Authorities in Tarrant County observed that Rycroft exhibited “bloodshot eyes” and “slurred speech” while she stood alongside an off-duty firefighter.
“I want to remind the public of the fundamental principle of our justice system … every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Rycroft’s attorney, Bret Martin, stated to TMZ on Friday. “As a society, we have strayed from this essential concept. My client was arrested based on the allegation of Driving While Intoxicated. An arrest does not equate to guilt.”
The statement went on, “It is crucial that we thoroughly investigate the circumstances of this case — including law enforcement conduct, toxicology results, and the facts surrounding her arrest — before any conclusions are made. We respectfully ask that the media and the public allow the legal process to unfold, and refrain from any judgment until all evidence has been adequately examined and presented in a court of law.”
Rycroft has yet to publicly comment on her arrest. Us Weekly has sought a statement.
This legal issue arises over 15 years after Rycroft gained fame on season 13 of The Bachelor, which aired in 2009. She won the season, having received Jason Mesnick’s final rose, but he later chose to be with runner-up Molly Mesnick. (Jason, 49, and Molly, 41, have been married since 2010.)
After her split from Jason, Rycroft found love with former boyfriend Tye Strickland, whom she married in December 2009. The couple has three children: daughter Ava, 14, and sons Beckett, 11, and Cayson, 9.
Rycroft, a former Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader, disclosed to Us Weekly in November 2020 that she and Strickland are content with their family of five.
“The issue is, we’re so far removed from the newborn phase now,” she explained to Us when asked if they planned to have more children. “My youngest is four, and he’s the eldest baby I’ve ever had at home. I’m not sure I could return to sleepless nights, the bassinet, and the baby carrier.”
She added: “It has reached a point where they are all fairly self-sufficient. They can entertain themselves in the playroom, and I’m no longer concerned about someone getting hurt. Life is good. … I dedicated a decade to that phase. Now, I’ve earned the reward.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing challenges with substance abuse, reach out to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
