Kiefer Sutherland, the Emmy-winning star of 24, found himself in handcuffs again early Monday at a bustling Hollywood intersection, accused of assaulting a ride-share driver and issuing felony criminal threats during a tense late-night ride.
Bond Set at $50,000
Sutherland, 59, was arrested by the LAPD’s Hollywood Division at Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue around 12:15 a.m. on January 12, 2026. He posted $50,000 bail soon after and was released, with a court appearance set for February 2, 2026. The driver called 911 while fleeing the scene, reporting an assault but declining medical treatment as he suffered no injuries.
Police reports indicate Sutherland demanded the driver pull over repeatedly. A possible language barrier emerged, with the driver requesting a Russian or Armenian translator. The LAPD is reviewing 911 audio and witness statements before the Los Angeles District Attorney decides on formal charges. Sutherland’s representatives have not commented.
Actor’s Background
Son of the late Donald Sutherland, who passed in June 2024, Kiefer built a storied career with roles like Jack Bauer in 24, earning an Emmy and Golden Globe. His films include Stand by Me, The Lost Boys, A Few Good Men, and the series Designated Survivor.
This incident revives a legal history stretching back decades. His first brush with the law came in 1989: a DUI arrest in Los Angeles, where a concealed weapon charge was dropped after he pleaded no contest to reckless driving.
Legal History
The 1990s brought more trouble. A 1993 DUI conviction led to 211 hours of community service. In 2004, another DUI resulted in probation and further service. Sutherland served 48 days in jail in 2007 for violating that probation.
A 2009 assault charge in New York stemmed from an alleged headbutt at a party involving designer Jack McCullough. Charges were dismissed after a joint statement resolved the matter. Most recently, in 2020, he faced a DUI arrest in Hollywood for an illegal U-turn.
Arrest Details
The latest episode unfolded in a high-traffic area rife with ride-share activity, especially at night. The driver, whose identity remains undisclosed, described fleeing after the altercation. Reports from law enforcement sources detail Sutherland’s alleged threats to kill if the driver did not stop immediately.
This marks Sutherland’s second assault allegation, echoing the 2009 case. No formal charges have been filed yet, pending investigation.
Ride-Share Safety Context
The arrest spotlights vulnerabilities in the gig economy. Uber and Lyft have weathered criticism over safety, with Uber’s 2019 report noting nearly 6,000 sexual assaults in the U.S. over two years. California has responded with mandates for panic buttons, real-time tracking, and monitoring tools on both platforms. Debates continue around Proposition 22 and worker protections.
Public reaction has flooded online discussions, juxtaposing Sutherland’s tough-guy screen image with his real-life record. International outlets in the U.K. and Canada have covered the story, noting his London birth and transatlantic career.
As the LAPD probe advances toward the February court date, the case highlights risks for ride-share drivers facing volatile passengers and tests celebrity accountability amid evolving safety measures for gig workers. The District Attorney’s decision could shape Sutherland’s path forward, much like past incidents that did not derail his return to sets.
Sources:
BBC News, “Actor Kiefer Sutherland arrested over alleged assault of ride-share driver”, 13 Jan 2026
NBC News, “Kiefer Sutherland arrested and accused of assaulting ride-share driver in Los Angeles”, 13 Jan 2026
LA Times, “Kiefer Sutherland arrested, allegedly assaulted ride-hail driver”, 12 Jan 2026
Fox News, “Kiefer Sutherland’s troubled legal past resurfaces after rideshare altercation ends in arrest”, 15 Jan 2026
TMZ, “Kiefer Sutherland Arrested for Allegedly Telling Uber Driver ‘Pull Over or I’ll Kill You’”, 13 Jan 2026
Rolling Stone, “Kiefer Sutherland Asked Uber Driver to Pull Over Before Arrest”, 14 Jan 2026