The Untold Story Behind Nina Dobrev's Mug Shot: 5 Facts That Clarify The Viral 2009 Arrest

For over a decade, the image of a young Nina Dobrev—alongside her *Vampire Diaries* co-stars—has circulated online, fueling rumors about a scandalous arrest. This incident, which occurred on August 22, 2009, remains one of the most talked-about moments from the early days of the CW hit show, despite being a decade and a half old. The story, often sensationalized, involved multiple cast members and a photographer, leading to charges of disorderly conduct in Georgia. As of late 2025, the mugshot continues to resurface, prompting new generations of fans to search for the definitive, clarified truth behind the viral photo.

The persistent curiosity surrounding the "Nina Dobrev mug shot" stems from conflicting initial reports and the surprising nature of the charge for a group of rising television stars. Far from a serious crime, the incident was a youthful indiscretion that became a permanent part of celebrity lore. This article cuts through the rumors to provide a clear, detailed account of what actually happened that fateful day, including the full context, the specific charges, and the ultimate resolution of the case.

Nina Dobrev: A Brief Biographical Profile

• Full Name: Nikolina Konstantinova Dobreva
• Date of Birth: January 9, 1989
• Place of Birth: Sofia, Bulgaria
• Nationality: Canadian (Moved to Canada at age two)
• Occupation: Actress, Model
• Breakthrough Role: Mia Jones in *Degrassi: The Next Generation* (2006–2009)
• Most Famous Role: Elena Gilbert and Katherine Pierce in *The Vampire Diaries* (2009–2015, 2017)
• Other Notable Works: *The Perks of Being a Wallflower* (2012), *xXx: Return of Xander Cage* (2017), *Love Hard* (2021), *The Out-Laws* (2023)
• Current Status (as of late 2025): Continues to star in films and television projects, and is active in philanthropic work.

The Definitive Account of the 2009 Arrest

The mug shot that frequently resurfaces online is a genuine photo taken by the police, but the story behind it is often misreported. The incident took place in Forsyth, Georgia, where *The Vampire Diaries* was filmed.

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Fact 1: It Was a Group Arrest Involving Multiple *Vampire Diaries* Stars

This was not an isolated incident involving only Nina Dobrev. A total of six people were arrested and booked that night. The group included Dobrev and four of her female co-stars: Sara Canning (who played Aunt Jenna), Kayla Ewell (Vicki Donovan), Candice King (then Candice Accola, who played Caroline Forbes), and Krystal Vayda. They were accompanied by photographer Tyler Shields.

The fact that multiple stars were involved in a single, high-profile incident immediately drew massive media attention, solidifying the mugshots' place in pop culture history. The images of Dobrev, King, Canning, and Ewell from that night have become the most recognizable artifacts of the event.

Fact 2: The Arrest Occurred During an Unofficial Photo Shoot

The core of the incident was an unauthorized photo shoot being conducted by the group. Photographer Tyler Shields was reportedly taking dramatic, artistic photographs of the actresses in various locations.

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The specific location that led to the arrest was a bridge near the Georgia Highway 53, where the group was reportedly hanging off the structure and flashing car lights at passing drivers. This action was deemed a significant disruption to public order and traffic flow, leading to multiple complaints from motorists.

Fact 3: The Official Charge Was Disorderly Conduct, Not Indecent Exposure

While early reports and rumors suggested a more salacious charge, such as "flashing drivers" or indecent exposure, the official charge filed against all six individuals, including Nina Dobrev, was disorderly conduct. Disorderly conduct is a much less severe charge, typically relating to public disturbance or creating a hazardous condition.

A writer who worked on *The Vampire Diaries* later clarified the situation, explaining that the group was disrupting traffic by creating a scene for their photo shoot, which was the basis of the disorderly conduct charge. This clarification helped to temper the more extreme rumors that had circulated for years, although the mugshots themselves remained undeniable proof of the arrest.

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The Aftermath and Legacy of the Mug Shot

The arrest of the young, largely unknown cast members of a new supernatural drama series created a stir in the entertainment world. While it was a moment of embarrassment for the network and the actors, it ultimately became a footnote in their successful careers.

The Immediate Consequences

Following their arrest, Nina Dobrev (who was 20 at the time), Sara Canning (22), Kayla Ewell (24), Candice Accola (22), Krystal Vayda (23), and Tyler Shields (27) were all booked and released on bond. The incident was quickly resolved, with the actors likely paying a fine or performing community service related to the disorderly conduct charge. The CW Network, which aired *The Vampire Diaries*, offered no immediate comment on the arrests at the time.

A Pop Culture Artifact

Despite the lack of severity in the charge, the mug shots themselves have endured. They are often cited in lists of "famous celebrity mugshots" and serve as a reminder of the cast's early, pre-fame days. The story, though over 15 years old as of late 2025, continues to be a source of intense fan curiosity, demonstrating the long-lasting impact of a brief moment of youthful recklessness. The mug shot is a permanent digital scar that has followed Dobrev throughout her career, contrasting sharply with her typical image as a polished, professional actress.

For many fans, the disorderly conduct charge simply adds a layer of relatable, human imperfection to the stars they admire, making the story a perennial favorite on celebrity gossip and nostalgia sites.