Redmond O'Neal, Father Ryan O'Neal Arrested for Drug Possession

The O'Neal Drug Saga Continues

A Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department spokesman announced today that actor Ryan O'Neal, 67, and his son, Redmond O'Neal, 23, were both arrested today for possession of narcotics. The sheriff's office was performing a search of Redmond O'Neal's home as part of the requirements of Redmond's probation. Redmond O'Neal pleaded guilty in June to driving under the influence and drug possession. Redmond had entered rehab in 2004 for heroin abuse.

During the police sweep, officers found narcotics in Redmond O'Neal's possession, according to People. Police also found a "vial of drugs" in Ryan O'Neal's bedroom. The drugs are believed to be methamphetamines. Ryan O'Neal has a history of drug use and arrest. O'Neal was arrested in February 2007 for assaulting his elder son, Griffin with a weapon. According to Griffin O'Neal's account, the fight was over Redmond O'Neal's drug use.

Ryan O'Neal's daughter has also had many legal run-ins with drugs. Tatum O'Neal, 44, was most recently arrested for buying crack cocaine on June 1, 2008. O'Neal was charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and disorderly conduct related to the arrest. Prior to that, Tatum O'Neal lost custody of her children in 1998 to her ex-husband, John McEnroe, due to her heroin addiction. Tatum O'Neal currently stars in the television series Rescue Me.

Drug abuse runs rampant in Hollywood. Lindsay Lohan was arrested in 2007 for possession of cocaine and has been in and out of rehab. John Mayer, Justin Timberlake and Fergie have all admitted to ongoing drug use. According to an article in US Magazine, not only is hard drug abuse becoming more common in Hollywood, it is becoming more open. Lines of coke are freely available at Hollywood parties and admissions to exclusive rehab facilities are almost fashionable.

Redmond O'Neal and Ryan O'Neal are being held at the sheriff's station in lieu of bail of $10,000 each. There has been no official statement as yet from Redmond O'Neal's mother, actress Farah Fawcett.

Sources:

http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20226642,00.html?cnn=yes