Model Arrested in Palm Springs, Accused of Burglary

Renee Alway, 27, was a second runner-up in "America's Next Top Model."

A model and reality television show contestant is scheduled to appear in court this week after police arrested her on suspicion of burglary and fraud in Palm Springs.

Renee Alway, 27, was arrested June 28 after officers found her hiding with a gun in the garage of a home whose owners were on vacation, according to a statement from the Palm Springs Police Department.

After she was in custody, officers called a SWAT team believing that an armed man was elsewhere in the house. After a six-hour standoff, police found no one else in the home.

Alway, a second runner-up in "America's Next Top Model," was booked on suspicion of two counts of burglary and one of fraud, according to the statement. She was also free on bail for a previous alleged crime at the time of her arrest, adding an extra felony charge, according to the statement.

Her court date was scheduled for Thursday.

Alway, also known as Renee DeWitt, placed 3rd in the eighth cycle of "America's Next Top Model." She signed on with Next Model Management's Los Angeles division in 2008, according to the Internet Movie Database.

In all, the model is facing 20 charges, including 12 felonies. Among them are burglary, credit card fraud and forgery, receiving stolen property and drug possession.

Local

Get Los Angeles's latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living and more. Here's your go-to source for today's LA news.

405 Freeway in Brentwood shut down after crash

California officials investigating Knott's Berry Farm's thrill ride malfunction

Alway was being held at the Riverside County Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility in Banning in lieu of $150,000 bail.

More Stories:

Contact Us