Reality television personality Melissa Rycroft was arrested Sunday in Southlake, Texas, on suspicion of driving while intoxicated, marking her second DWI charge in under two years. Jail records indicate Rycroft was taken into custody by the Southlake Police Department. She faces charges of second-degree driving while intoxicated, driving with a prior conviction or suspension without financial responsibility, and collision involving damage to a vehicle of at least $200.
This latest arrest comes months after Rycroft, 43, pleaded guilty in August to a September 2025 DWI charge. For that offense, she received 20 months of probation, was ordered to pay fines, complete community service, and undergo DWI education. The plea agreement allowed her to avoid a potential jail sentence.
Under the terms of her previous plea deal, Rycroft was also prohibited from consuming or possessing alcohol, abstaining from illegal substances, and required to use an ignition interlock device with a camera. She was also ordered to provide non-dilute urine samples for drug testing.
Rycroft gained prominence as a contestant on Season 13 of "The Bachelor" in 2009, where she became engaged to Jason Mesnick. She later appeared on "Dancing with the Stars," winning its eighth season and returning for an All-Stars edition. She married Tye Strickland in December 2009, and they have three children.
Rycroft's attorney previously stated that "every individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty" and that an arrest is not an indication of guilt. Representatives for Rycroft, her lawyer, the Southlake Police Department, and the Tarrant County District Clerk’s Office have been contacted for further comment.