At a Glance
- Emmy-winning actor Kiefer Sutherland was arrested early Monday for allegedly assaulting a ride-share driver in Hollywood.
- Police say Sutherland entered the vehicle, attacked the driver, and made criminal threats.
- He was released on $50,000 bond and faces a Feb. 2 court date.
- Why it matters: The incident adds a legal chapter to the career of the star best known for playing agent Jack Bauer on “24.”
Actor Kiefer Sutherland spent Monday morning in Los Angeles police custody after officers say he assaulted a ride-share driver and threatened the victim. The incident unfolded just south of the Hollywood Hills and ended with Sutherland’s arrest on suspicion of felony criminal threats, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
What Police Say Happened
Officers responded to a 911 call reporting an assault involving a ride-share driver at an intersection below the Hollywood Hills. When they arrived, investigators determined that the passenger-later identified as Sutherland-had entered the vehicle, physically attacked the driver, and issued what police described as “criminal threats toward the victim.”
Key details released by LAPD:
- The driver did not need medical treatment.
- Sutherland was booked on suspicion of felony criminal threats.
- He was released several hours later after posting $50,000 bond.
- His first court appearance is set for Feb. 2.
News Of Fort Worth has contacted Sutherland’s representatives for comment; no statement has been provided so far.
From Jack Bauer to Jail Cell
Sutherland, 58, built a global fan base as tireless counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer on Fox’s real-time thriller “24,” a role that earned him both an Emmy and a Golden Globe. His filmography also includes standout performances in “Stand by Me,” “The Lost Boys,” “Flatliners,” and “A Few Good Men.”
The arrest marks a rare public legal scrape for the British-born Canadian performer, whose career has spanned four decades. Jail records reviewed by News Of Fort Worth show Sutherland was processed under standard felony protocols and released the same morning.
Legal Next Steps
California law defines criminal threats as threatening to kill or seriously injure someone, with the threat causing sustained fear in the victim. Prosecutors must decide by the Feb. 2 arraignment whether to file formal charges. If charged and convicted, the offense can carry a sentence of up to three years in state prison.
Sutherland has no prior violent-crime convictions in Los Angeles County, according to court data reviewed by News Of Fort Worth. His attorney has not responded to repeated requests for comment since Monday.
Key Takeaways
- The ride-share driver was not hospitalized, but the allegation of criminal threats elevates the potential charge to a felony.
- Sutherland’s release on bond allows him to continue work obligations while the case proceeds.
- The Feb. 2 court date will reveal whether prosecutors proceed with charges or reduce the allegation.
The LAPD detective unit handling the case asked anyone with additional information to contact Hollywood Division officers. Meanwhile, Sutherland’s scheduled public appearances-including a planned panel discussion for an upcoming streaming series-remain on industry calendars as of Tuesday evening.
