Top Chef season 16 winner Kelsey Barnard Clark was arrested on driving under the influence charges in Dothan, Alabama, after crashing her car with her two young children inside on Wednesday evening. The children were unharmed, and Clark was booked into jail following field sobriety tests.
On the evening of Wednesday, January 21, 2026, Dothan Police Department responded to a call in the 1300 block of Selkirk Drive regarding a vehicle that had struck a mailbox. Upon arrival, officers found Kelsey Barnard Clark, 35, who allegedly showed signs of impairment and smelled of alcohol. According to reports from TMZ and local news outlet WBRC, Clark was behind the wheel with her two children, son Monroe, 8, and daughter Evelyn, 5, in the car at the time of the incident.
Authorities conducted field sobriety tests at the scene, during which Clark reportedly struggled to walk in a straight line or stand on one foot, indicating intoxication. Police determined she was under the influence, leading to her arrest. The children were not injured in the crash and were subsequently released to a family member for safety.
Clark was transported to the Dothan City Jail and booked on a DUI charge. Her mugshot was publicly released on the police department’s website, listing the charge as “Driving Under the Influence (Alcohol).” The Dothan Police Department’s Public Information Officer, Lt. Scott Owens, confirmed the arrest to WBRC, stating that officers made the determination based on her condition at the scene.
Kelsey Barnard Clark rose to fame after winning the 16th season of Bravo’s Top Chef in 2019, where she impressed judges with her Southern cuisine and hospitality. Since her victory, she has authored three cookbooks and served as a judge on Netflix’s culinary competition series Next Gen Chef. Clark is active on social media, often sharing glimpses of her family life with her over 100,000 Instagram followers.
The arrest has sparked concerns about child endangerment, though no additional charges related to the children have been reported at this time. Legal experts suggest that Clark could face penalties including fines, license suspension, or possible jail time, depending on the outcome of the case. Her representatives and the Dothan Police Department have not issued immediate comments in response to media inquiries.
This incident highlights the dangers of impaired driving, particularly with children present, and serves as a cautionary tale for public figures. Clark’s fans and the culinary community have expressed shock, given her previously clean public image and advocacy for family-oriented content.
Moving forward, Clark is expected to appear in court to address the DUI charges. The case will likely proceed with further investigation, and updates may follow from legal authorities or Clark’s team. This event underscores the importance of responsible behavior, especially for parents in the spotlight.
