November 2, 2026, 8:32 a.m. ET
Melissa Rycroft Strickland was arrested on suspicion of drunk driving for the second time, a year after her first arrest for the same offense.
“The Bachelor” and “Dancing with the Stars” alum was arrested in Southlake, Texas, on Sunday, Nov. 1, after allegedly crashing into an ambulance stopped at a stop sign before fleeing the scene, according to a press release from the Southlake Police Department. No injuries were reported and officers located Rycroft Strickland, 43, a short time later.
She was charged with driving while intoxicated, second offense, accident causing damage over $200 and driving with an invalid license. As of Monday morning, she was currently listed in custody, on $9,000 bond, according to Tarrant County inmate records.
Rycroft Strickland was previously arrested by Southlake police in September 2025 on suspicion of drunk driving, according to People and TMZ.
Rycroft appeared on season 13 of “The Bachelor,” where she received Jason Mesnick’s final rose before he realized he wanted to propose to runner-up Molly Malaney instead. Molly and Jason Mesnick are now married with two children, while Rycroft married insurance broker Tye Strickland.
Later that year, Rycroft appeared on Season 9 of “Dancing With the Stars” in 2009 and returned in 2012 for the show’s all-star debut season, where she placed first with partner Tony Dovolani.
Contributor: Anthony Robledo, USA TODAY
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