Darius McCrary Arrested ... Child Support Scofflaw

Darius McCrary was arrested and jailed because he was way behind in child support.

Law enforcement sources tell TMZ, "The Family Matters" star was in family court Wednesday in Oakland County, Michigan when the judge had him arrested and taken to jail.

Darius was given 2 options -- pay $5,500 in back support, or unpack and relax for 14 days behind bars. Darius chose door number 1.

McCrary was only in for a couple of hours and released later in the day.

The actor has a son ... looks like he's about 7 years old.