Darius McCrary Arrested Near Border: What's Going On with the 'Family Matters' Star?

"Eddie Winslow" actor Darius McCrary was picked up by Border Patrol this past Sunday on a felony warrant related to a missed Michigan court date for child support. Here's the full story on his latest legal troubles.

TL;DR: Quick Look at the Situation

• Darius McCrary, known for playing Eddie Winslow on 'Family Matters,' was arrested Sunday, October 5th, near the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego, California.
• The arrest was due to an out-of-state felony warrant from Michigan, stemming from a missed court appearance related to unpaid child support obligations.
• His representative claims McCrary was doing charity work in Tijuana, didn't know about the warrant, and missed the court date because he had COVID-19 and the notice was sent to a P.O. Box with only three days' warning.

The Border Patrol Stop That Caught Everyone's Attention

Alright, so if you've been scrolling through entertainment news lately, you might have done a double-take at a familiar face. Darius Mccrary, who many of us grew up watching as the always-cool Eddie Winslow on the iconic '90s sitcom Family Matters, found himself in a pretty serious situation this past Sunday, October 5th. He was arrested by U.S. Border Patrol near the U.S.-Mexico border in San Diego, California. Not exactly the kind of border crossing anyone hopes for, right?

The arrest wasn't just a minor hiccup. According to booking records obtained by various outlets like People and Fox News Digital, the 49-year-old actor was booked at 7:17 p.m. on Sunday on what's called a "fugitive arrest" charge. What does that mean? Basically, he was wanted in another state—in this case, Michigan—on a felony warrant. And to make things even more challenging, he's currently being held without bail in a San Diego jail. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15th, giving us a clearer picture of what's to come.

Unpacking the Michigan Warrant and His Representative's Explanation

So, why was there a felony warrant out for Darius McCrary in Michigan? The core issue revolves around a missed court appearance. His representative, Ann Barlow, has been quite vocal about the circumstances, providing a specific explanation to several news sources, including TMZ and Us Weekly.

Barlow states that the warrant is connected to an ongoing child support dispute in Michigan. She claims that McCrary was doing some genuinely good work when he was detained. He was reportedly partnering with a real estate developer to build homes for the homeless in Tijuana, Mexico, intending to speak words of encouragement to the community there. It sounds like he was trying to do a good deed when he ran into this legal wall.

The representative further elaborated on why he missed the court date, painting a picture of unfortunate timing and circumstances. She told reporters that Oakland County, Michigan, mailed the notice to appear to McCrary's P.O. Box, giving him only three days to show up in court. To make matters worse, McCrary reportedly had COVID-19 at the time, which meant he wasn't checking his P.O. Box regularly. By the time he saw the notice, it was already the day after his scheduled court appearance.

According to Barlow, McCrary immediately notified the judge with a doctor's note confirming his COVID-19 diagnosis. This defense suggests he wasn't intentionally evading court but rather fell victim to a combination of illness and tight deadlines for mail delivery. It's a tough spot to be in, and it'll be interesting to see how the court weighs these details.

"Darius was doing a good deed when he discovered he had a felony warrant at the Border of Mexico for a missed court appearance. The missed court appearance was for an ongoing child support dispute whereas Oakland County mailed the notice to appear to Darius PO BOX giving him only three days to appear in Michigan Court. Unfortunately Darius had Covid therefore did not check his PO Box until the day after his court date. However immediately notified the Judge with a doctor’s note diagnosis of Covid."

— Ann Barlow, Darius McCrary's Representative

A History of Legal Troubles: Darius McCrary's Past Court Battles

While the current arrest might be surprising to some, it's not Darius McCrary's first brush with the law regarding child support. His legal history paints a more complex picture, primarily stemming from his highly publicized divorce from former Harlem Globetrotter player Tammy Brawner.

The couple finalized their divorce in 2019 after a two-year court battle that began when Brawner filed in 2017, citing irreconcilable differences and expressing concerns for their daughter's safety. As part of the settlement, McCrary was ordered to pay $1,366 per month in child support for their daughter, Zoey. Brawner was granted full legal and physical custody of Zoey, who was three years old at the time and is now nine.

Beyond financial obligations, the divorce settlement also mandated that McCrary complete substance abuse and batterers' intervention programs. The situation became even more contentious with serious allegations from Brawner in 2018. She claimed that McCrary had partially dislocated Zoey's arm—an injury later diagnosed as Nursemaid's elbow, common in young children—while taking her to the bathroom. Even more alarmingly, she alleged that he held their infant daughter over a hot stove with fire and boiling water, and that he expressed wishing he didn't have her. McCrary vehemently denied all these allegations at the time, stating, "None of these allegations are true… I would never do anything to harm my child."

His struggles with child support payments have led to multiple arrests over the years. In 2015, he was arrested in Michigan for failure to pay child support but was released after settling a $5,500 fine. Then, in November 2023, he faced another arrest for owing a significant sum: over $52,000 in back payments. He pleaded not guilty in that instance and was released on a $13,197 bond, which included GPS monitoring. These repeated incidents highlight an ongoing challenge with meeting his financial obligations, or at least navigating the legal system surrounding them.

Interestingly, one report also mentioned another claim from his rep regarding his eldest child, Zecheriah, who is now 18. Barlow reportedly stated that Zecheriah is a "trust fund baby" and doesn't need child support, but his mother is still pursuing the money. While this might be a separate ongoing dispute, it's important to note that the current felony warrant is widely reported to be tied to the Michigan case and a missed appearance for unpaid child support obligations, often linked to the issues surrounding his divorce from Tammy Brawner.

From Winslow to "The Young and the Restless": A Look at His Acting Career

Before these headlines, Darius McCrary was a familiar face in homes across America, most notably for his role as Eddie Winslow. For nearly a decade, from 1989 to 1998, he brought life to the eldest child of the Winslow family on Family Matters, a sitcom that remains a beloved classic. He appeared alongside stars like Reginald VelJohnson and Jo Marie Payton, becoming a staple of TGIF lineups.

But his career certainly didn't stop with Eddie. McCrary has a long list of acting credits, demonstrating his versatility and commitment to the craft. He played the character Malcolm Winters in 86 episodes of the popular soap opera The Young and the Restless from 2009 to 2011, a significant role that showcased a different side of his acting prowess. Film fans might also recognize his voice as Jazz in Michael Bay's 2007 Transformers movie. He's also appeared in other TV shows such as Anger Management, Star, and Snowfall, and portrayed James Brown in the 2020 BET series American Soul.

His consistent work in Hollywood over decades shows that he's been an active part of the entertainment industry, balancing various roles across different genres. This long career makes the current legal challenges all the more poignant, highlighting the personal difficulties that can sometimes overshadow public success.

What Happens Next for the Actor and His Legal Battle

With Darius McCrary currently held without bail, the next crucial step is his first court appearance, set for Wednesday, October 15th. This hearing will likely provide more clarity on the charges, the Michigan warrant, and whether his representative's explanation regarding COVID-19 and the P.O. Box will factor into the court's decisions regarding bail or his future legal proceedings.

Being arrested on a felony fugitive warrant means the legal process can be quite involved, often requiring extradition back to the state where the warrant originated. His representative's immediate notification to the Michigan judge with a doctor's note could be a key piece of his defense, potentially showing an intent to comply despite unforeseen circumstances. However, the history of previous child support arrests could also influence how the court perceives his case.

For now, fans and followers will be watching closely to see how this unfolds. It’s a stark reminder that even well-known public figures face personal battles, and the legal system can be unforgiving, regardless of one's celebrity status. We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available after his court appearance.

The Bigger Picture: Celebrity Finances and Public Scrutiny

Darius McCrary's situation isn't just about one actor; it highlights a broader trend concerning celebrities and their financial management, especially when it comes to family obligations like child support. Maintaining wealth and stability in the public eye is often far more complex than it appears from the outside. High-profile careers can come with erratic income streams, significant expenses, and intricate legal requirements, making consistent financial planning a challenge.

Child support, in particular, is a non-negotiable legal and moral responsibility. The system is designed to ensure children receive the financial support they need, and missing payments or court dates can lead to serious consequences, as McCrary's case clearly demonstrates. The "fugitive arrest" label underscores the gravity of failing to adhere to court orders, turning a civil matter into a felony issue when warrants are issued for non-compliance.

This situation also brings to light the double-edged sword of public attention. While fame provides opportunities, it also means that personal struggles, especially legal ones, play out under intense scrutiny. Every detail, from a P.O. Box address to a COVID-19 diagnosis, can become public record, fueling discussion and judgment. For celebrities, managing public perception alongside legal battles adds another layer of stress and complexity.

Ultimately, McCrary's ongoing legal journey serves as a cautionary tale for anyone—celebrity or not—about the importance of meticulous financial management, timely legal compliance, and effective communication, especially when navigating the intricacies of child support laws. It's a tough lesson, and we hope for a clear and just resolution for all parties involved.

Frequently Asked Questions About Darius McCrary's Arrest When was Darius McCrary arrested?

Darius McCrary was arrested on Sunday, October 5th.

Why was Darius McCrary arrested?

He was arrested on an out-of-state felony fugitive warrant from Michigan due to a missed court appearance related to unpaid child support.

What is his current legal status?

He is currently being held without bail in a San Diego jail. His first court appearance is scheduled for Wednesday, October 15th.

Who is Darius McCrary's ex-wife, Tammy Brawner?

Tammy Brawner is a former Harlem Globetrotter player. She and McCrary finalized their divorce in 2019, and she has full custody of their daughter, Zoey.

Sources

• People
• TMZ
• Us Weekly
• Fox News Digital
• KABC
• UPI
• The National News Desk
• Page Six
• Rolling Stone
• TV Insider
• NJ.com