At a Glance
- Kiefer Sutherland was arrested in Hollywood after allegedly assaulting a ride-share driver
- The 59-year-old actor faces a felony charge of criminal threats
- He was released on a $50,000 bond and is due in court on February 2
- Why it matters: The incident marks the latest legal trouble for the Emmy-winning star
Actor Kiefer Sutherland was arrested in Los Angeles on suspicion of felony criminal threats following an alleged altercation with a ride-share driver early Monday morning, according to multiple reports confirmed by News Of Losangeles.
Arrest Details
The incident occurred shortly after midnight near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue in Hollywood. Officers responded to the scene and took Sutherland into custody without incident, NBC Los Angeles reports.
According to authorities cited by KTLA, the Young Guns star allegedly:
- Physically assaulted the driver
- Made criminal threats toward the individual
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed to NBC that Sutherland was arrested on suspicion of felony criminal threats. Neither Sutherland nor the driver sustained injuries requiring medical attention.
Booking and Release
Jail records reviewed by News Of Losangeles show that Sutherland was booked into custody following his arrest. He was later released after posting a $50,000 bond on Monday, January 12.
Court records indicate that the actor is scheduled to appear at the Los Angeles County Superior Court on February 2 to face the charges.
Incident Context
The alleged assault reportedly occurred during what began as a routine ride-share pickup. The circumstances that led to the escalation remain under investigation, though authorities have confirmed that no weapons were involved in the incident.
News Of Losangeles has reached out to both the LAPD and a representative for Sutherland for additional comment on the case. As of publication, neither had provided further details about the specific nature of the threats allegedly made during the encounter.
Legal Implications
Under California law, making criminal threats is classified as a “wobbler” offense, meaning it can be charged as either a misdemeanor or felony depending on the circumstances and severity. The felony charge suggests prosecutors believe the alleged threats met the criteria for the more serious classification.
If convicted of felony criminal threats, Sutherland could face:
- Up to three years in state prison
- Substantial fines
- Probation requirements
- Potential impact on his professional licenses and future employment opportunities
Career Impact
The arrest comes at a challenging time for the 59-year-old actor, whose career spans four decades. Sutherland is best known for his Emmy-winning role as Jack Bauer in the television series 24, as well as films including A Few Good Men, The Lost Boys, and Young Guns.
The incident may affect ongoing projects, though no studios or production companies have publicly commented on the arrest as of Tuesday. Industry standard practice typically involves waiting for legal proceedings to advance before making employment decisions.
Previous Incidents
While this marks Sutherland’s first known arrest in recent years, the actor has faced legal issues previously in his career. However, those past incidents are not directly related to the current charges and are not detailed in the available police reports.
The LAPD has not indicated whether Sutherland has any prior arrests in their jurisdiction that would affect the current case proceedings.
Investigation Status
The case remains active as investigators continue to gather evidence and interview witnesses. The ride-share driver has reportedly cooperated with authorities and provided a statement about the alleged incident.
Detectives are also reviewing any available surveillance footage from the area around Sunset and Fairfax, though it remains unclear if video evidence exists of the actual confrontation.
Next Steps
Sutherland’s upcoming court appearance on February 2 will likely involve:
- Formal reading of charges
- Entry of plea
- Potential bail modification
- Scheduling of future proceedings
The actor’s legal team has not publicly commented on the case strategy or whether they plan to negotiate a plea agreement or proceed to trial.
Key Takeaways
- Kiefer Sutherland faces felony charges following an alleged assault on a ride-share driver
- The incident occurred in Hollywood during the early morning hours of January 12
- No injuries were reported to either party involved
- The case highlights ongoing concerns about celebrity-involved incidents with service workers
- Sutherland’s February 2 court date will determine the next phase of legal proceedings
The entertainment industry will be watching closely as one of television’s most recognizable stars navigates these serious criminal charges.
