Actor Kiefer Sutherland Was Arrested In Los Angeles
Kiefer Sutherland was arrested in Los Angeles, California, early on Monday (January 12th).
CNN reports that shortly after midnight on the 12th, the Los Angeles Police responded to a report of an assault at an intersection near Hollywood Hills. NBC 4 Los Angeles relayed the specific location of the incident, saying it occurred near Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue.
The LAPD alleges that 59-year-old Sutherland assaulted a rideshare driver after entering their vehicle. The department says the actor also “made criminal threats toward the victim.”
The driver did not require medical treatment following the alleged altercation.
CNN reports that Kiefer Sutherland “was arrested on suspicion of criminal threats.” He was released from jail on a $50,000 bond a few hours later.
CNN attempted to contact Sutherland’s representatives for a comment, but did not receive a response. The outlet reports that Sutherland is scheduled to appear in court for the first time on February 2.
What Has Kiefer Sutherland Starred In?
Kiefer Sutherland was born to actors Donald Sutherland (who died in 2024) and Shirley Douglas (who died in 2020). He followed his parents into the acting industry, making his first on-screen appearance in the 1983 film Max Dugan Returns. Donald Sutherland, Jason Robards, Marsha Mason, and Matthew Broderick also starred in the movie.
Sutherland has since starred in many other notable films, including Stand by Me (directed by the late Rob Reiner), Young Guns (I and II), A Few Good Men (another Reiner-directed film), The Sentinel, Phone Booth, A Time to Kill, and Flatliners.
Sutherland is also known for his performances on TV shows such as 24, Designated Survivor, and Touch. He received several awards for his portrayal of the character Jack Bauer in 24, including an Emmy and a Golden Globe. Additionally, Sutherland has received stars on Canada’s Walk of Fame and the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
While most people know Sutherland as an actor, he’s also a musician. He’s released three country music albums, the most recent being 2022’s Bloor Street.
Kiefer Sutherland’s Past Legal Troubles
Sutherland’s January 12th arrest isn’t the first time he’s been in trouble with the law.
As PEOPLE details, he pleaded “no contest” to a DUI charge in 2007. He spent 48 days in jail, had to participate in an 18-month-long alcohol education program, and was sentenced to serve five years of probation.
“I’m deeply sorry for the disappointment and distress this has caused my family, friends and co-workers on 24 and at 20th Century Fox,” Sutherland said about the 2007 DUI charge. “I appreciate the support and concern that has been extended to me these last weeks both personally and professionally.“
The 2007 charge was Sutherland’s fourth arrest for DUI since 1989.
In 2009, Sutherland was charged with assault for head-butting fashion designer Jack McCollough in New York City. Sutherland apologized, and police eventually dropped the charges.
Stay tuned for more information about Sutherland’s recent arrest.