Canadian actor Kiefer Sutherland has been arrested in Hollywood following an alleged assault and threat made against a ride-share driver, according to the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD).
In a statement released on Monday, the LAPD confirmed that the incident occurred at approximately 12:15 a.m. Pacific Standard Time (08:15 GMT) at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, a busy area in Hollywood known for nightlife and heavy traffic.
Police said Sutherland allegedly entered a ride-share vehicle, physically assaulted the driver, and issued criminal threats during the encounter. Authorities did not disclose the specific nature of the altercation or what may have triggered the incident.
“The suspect entered a ride-share vehicle, physically assaulted the driver (the victim), and made criminal threats,” the LAPD stated.
Despite the alleged assault, police confirmed that the driver did not sustain any physical injuries. The victim cooperated with officers as investigations into the incident continue under the LAPD’s Hollywood Division.
Sutherland, who is 59 years old, was taken into custody and later released after posting a bond of $50,000 (approximately £37,000). He is scheduled to appear in court on February 2, where formal charges and further legal proceedings are expected to be addressed.
The BBC has reached out to Sutherland’s representatives for comment, but no official response has been issued at the time of filing this report.
Kiefer Sutherland is a well-known figure in Hollywood, best recognised for his iconic role as counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer in the hit Fox television series 24. His performance earned him critical acclaim and multiple awards, cementing his status as a leading television actor.
He later portrayed the fictional President of the United States in the Netflix political drama Designated Survivor, further solidifying his reputation for intense and authoritative roles. Sutherland is also the son of legendary actor Donald Sutherland, making him part of one of Hollywood’s most prominent acting families.
However, this is not the first time the actor has had legal trouble. Sutherland has a history of run-ins with the law dating back several decades.
In 2007, he was sentenced to 48 days in jail after pleading guilty to driving under the influence and violating probation. Two years later, in 2009, he was arrested on suspicion of assault, though the charge was eventually dropped.
More recently, in 2020, Sutherland was arrested in Hollywood after making an illegal U-turn, though that incident was considered minor compared to previous cases.
The latest arrest has once again drawn public attention to the actor’s legal history, raising questions about accountability among high-profile celebrities.
As investigations continue, authorities have not yet confirmed whether formal charges will be pursued or whether additional evidence, including surveillance footage or witness statements, will be introduced in court.
Until then, Sutherland remains free on bail as he awaits his February court appearance.
