Kiefer Sutherland Arrested After Allegedly Assaulting Ride-Share Driver in Hollywood: Police

Jail records viewed by PEOPLE confirm that Sutherland was arrested and booked into jail before being released on a $50,000 bond

Kiefer Sutherland was arrested on suspicion of making felony criminal threats, the LAPD confirms to PEOPLE

The arrest came after an incident that occurred shortly after midnight in the Hollywood neighborhood of Los Angeles

Sutherland allegedly physically assaulted a rideshare driver, and was taken into custody at the scene

Kiefer Sutherland has been arrested following an incident in Los Angeles on Monday, January 12th, PEOPLE can confirm.

The Incident

Sutherland, 59, was arrested shortly after midnight when officers responded to the scene near Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue in Hollywood, according to LAPD officer Kevin Terzes. NBC Los Angeles first reported the news.

“On January 12, around 12:15 a.m., officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a radio call regarding an assault involving a rideshare driver near Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue,” Terzes tells people. “The investigation determined that the suspect, later identified as Kiefer Sutherland, entered a rideshare vehicle, physically assaulted the driver (the victim), and made criminal threats toward the victim.”

The Charge

Sutherland was arrested at the scene for “Criminal Threats, in violation of California Penal Code section 422,” Terzes told people.

PEOPLE has reached out to a rep for Sutherland for comment.

Following the incident, the alleged victim “did not sustain any injuries requiring medical treatment at the scene,” Terzes added.

Arrest and Release

Jail records reviewed by people indicate that Sutherland was arrested and booked into jail at the time of the incident, and was released on a $50,000 bond on Monday. He is next due to appear in court on February 2nd at Los Angeles County Superior court, according to the arrest records.

Understanding Criminal Threats

Under California Penal Code Section 422, criminal threats sometimes called “terrorist threats”—involve willfully threatening to commit a crime that will result in death or great bodily injury to another person. The threat must be specific enough and communicated in a way that causes the victim to be in sustained fear for their safety or the safety of their family.

This is a “wobbler” offense in California, meaning prosecutors can charge it as either a misdemeanor or a felony depending on the circumstances and the defendant’s criminal history. As a felony, it can carry a sentence of up to three years in state prison.

A Troubling Incident

The alleged assault of a rideshare driver raises concerns about the vulnerability of gig economy workers who often find themselves alone with strangers. Rideshare drivers have increasingly reported incidents of passenger violence, verbal abuse, and threats, with limited recourse or protection.

The fact that Sutherland allegedly both physically assaulted the driver and made criminal threats suggests an escalating confrontation. What prompted the incident remains unclear whether it involved a dispute over the route, the fare, the driver’s behavior, or something else entirely.

Sutherland’s History

This isn’t Sutherland’s first brush with the law. The “24” and “Designated Survivor” star has had previous legal issues, including DUI arrests in 2004 and 2007. In 2007, he served 48 days in jail for violating probation related to his DUI cases.

However, those incidents occurred nearly two decades ago, and Sutherland has maintained a relatively clean public record since then. This alleged assault represents a different type of offense violence toward another person rather than alcohol-related driving offenses.

Career Implications

Sutherland remains a prominent figure in Hollywood, known for his iconic role as Jack Bauer in “24,” as well as recent work in shows like “Designated Survivor” and “Rabbit Hole.” He’s also pursued a music career, releasing country albums and touring internationally.

How this arrest affects his career depends largely on how the case proceeds. If convicted of felony criminal threats, Sutherland could face jail time, probation, fines, and damage to his professional reputation. Even if charges are reduced or dropped, the incident could impact future projects and endorsements.

The Victim’s Perspective

While the rideshare driver fortunately did not require medical treatment, the psychological impact of being physically assaulted and threatened by a passenger particularly a celebrity with significantly more power and resources should not be underestimated.

Rideshare drivers often feel they have limited recourse when passengers become aggressive, fearing negative reviews, complaints to the company, or retaliation. The fact that this driver called police suggests the situation was serious enough to overcome those concerns.

What Happens Next

Sutherland’s February 2nd court appearance will likely be an arraignment, where he’ll be formally charged and enter a plea. His attorneys will have time to review the evidence, including any video footage from the rideshare vehicle (most services now have dashcams or driver-facing cameras), witness statements, and police reports.

Prosecutors will decide whether to pursue felony or misdemeanor charges based on the specific threats allegedly made, the severity of the physical assault, and Sutherland’s criminal history.

Given his celebrity status and financial resources, Sutherland will likely have access to top legal representation. Whether this case results in a plea deal, reduced charges, or proceeds to trial remains to be seen.

A Cautionary Reminder

This incident serves as a reminder that celebrity status doesn’t exempt anyone from legal consequences for their actions. It also highlights ongoing concerns about the safety of gig economy workers who often work alone with limited protection.

As the case unfolds, more details will likely emerge about what transpired during those early morning hours in Hollywood. For now, Sutherland faces serious criminal charges that could significantly impact both his personal life and professional career.

The February court date will be closely watched by both his fans and those concerned about accountability for violence against service workers.