Kiefer Sutherland was arrested on Monday, January 12, 2026, in Hollywood. The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) says he physically assaulted and made criminal threats against a ride-share driver. The actor was released on $50,000 bond and his first court date is set for February 2.
The incident happened around 12:15 a.m. at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. Officers responded to a call about an assault. After an investigation, police identified the suspect as the 59-year-old actor. The LAPD stated that Sutherland “entered a ride-share vehicle, physically assaulted the driver (the victim), and made criminal threats”. The driver did not have injuries needing medical treatment at the scene.
New Details of the Alleged Threat and Assault
New information from law enforcement sources describes a tense situation inside the vehicle. The actor had called for an Uber Black after having dinner with a friend late on Sunday, January 11. During the ride, Sutherland repeatedly asked the driver to pull over and let him out.
According to a report, the driver says Sutherland threatened to kill him if he did not pull over. The driver then called 911. Sources told one outlet that the driver also claimed Sutherland assaulted him “with his hands”. The exact reason Sutherland wanted to get out of the car has not been made public.
Police sources indicate that a potential language barrier might have played a role in the incident. When officers arrived, the driver requested a translator. Sources believe the driver’s native language is Russian or Armenian.
Despite the alleged threat and assault, authorities confirmed the driver was not hurt in a way that required immediate medical attention.
The Arrest and Immediate Aftermath
After police arrived and spoke with both men, they determined there was enough evidence to make an arrest. Kiefer Sutherland was taken into custody on suspicion of making felony criminal threats.
He was booked into jail a little after 4:00 a.m. on Monday, January 12. His bail was set at $50,000. The actor posted bond and was released from custody later that same morning. Online jail records show his release time was around 11:30 a.m.
His initial court appearance is scheduled for February 2 at the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Representatives for Kiefer Sutherland have not responded to multiple requests for comment from news organizations about the arrest.
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A Look at Past Legal Issues for Kiefer Sutherland
This is not the first time Kiefer Sutherland has been involved with law enforcement. His history includes several incidents, often related to alcohol.
- Driving Under the Influence Incidents: Sutherland has faced multiple DUI charges over the decades. His first was in 1989. He was sentenced to five years probation for a DUI in 2004. His most serious sentence came in 2007 when he pleaded no contest to a DUI charge. He served 48 days in jail for that offense. After that arrest, he publicly stated, “I’m very disappointed in myself for the poor judgment I exhibited”.
- 2009 Assault Allegation: In 2009, Sutherland was accused of head-butting fashion designer Jack McCollough at a New York City event. He faced misdemeanor assault charges. The charges were later dropped after both men settled the matter privately and Sutherland apologized.
- 2020 Traffic Arrest: His most recent encounter before this week was in 2020, when he was arrested on suspicion of DUI after being pulled over for making an illegal U-turn in Hollywood.
The actor has spoken openly in past interviews about his struggles with alcohol. He once told Rolling Stone, “It’s been the biggest problem for me”. In a 2016 interview, he acknowledged that drinking was often the root cause of negative events in his life, stating, “the only bad things that have ever happened to me in my life happened when I was drinking”.
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