Tyson Foods has suspended John R. Tyson, chief financial officer and great grandson of the company’s founder, after he was arrested early Thursday morning on charges of driving while intoxicated.
The company appointed senior finance executive Curt Calaway as interim CFO effective immediately following the incident. Calaway has been with Tyson for close to two decades, most recently holding a senior corporate and development role, according to LinkedIn.
Tyson was arrested by University of Arkansas police and booked around 1:30 a.m. Thursday, according to the Washington County Detention Center. He was released on a $1,105 bond nine hours later, records show.
“We are aware that John Randal Tyson, Chief Financial Officer of Tyson Foods, was arrested for an alleged DWI," the company said in a statement."Tyson Foods has suspended Mr. Tyson from his duties effective immediately.”
Around 12:46 a.m. Thursday, an officer saw a speeding silver SUV make an improper turn at a traffic light near the University of Arkansas campus, according to a police report. The vehicle then partially drove over a street curb and grassy area before correcting itself. The officer conducted a traffic stop, where he identified the driver as Tyson, who visibly had bloodshot eyes and smelled of strong intoxicants.
Initially, Tyson denied having anything to drink, according to the report. However after performing a field sobriety test, he admitted to having about 5 to 7 Miller Lite beers from Maxine’s Tap Room.
This is Tyson’s second alcohol-related arrest in the past two years. Authorities found him asleep in someone else’s home in November 2022, about a month after he was appointed CFO. He later pleaded guilty to misdemeanor charges of public intoxication and criminal trespassing, resulting in a fine of $440.
Following the incident, Tyson apologized to the company and investors, saying he was embarrassed and taking full responsibility for his actions.
“This was an incident inconsistent with our company values as well as my personal values,” he said in an earnings call. “I just wanted you guys to hear this directly from me and to know that I'm committed to making sure this never happens again.”
He is facing charges of DWI, careless driving and making an improper turn or U-turn. His court date is 8 a.m., July 15.
Editor's note: This story has been updated to include details from the police report and the date of Tyson's court hearing.
