British-Canadian actor Kiefer Sutherland has been taken into police custody following an alleged physical altercation with a rideshare driver in Hollywood.
The Hollywood Incident
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed the arrest occurred just after midnight on Monday, January 14, 2026. The incident took place at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue in Hollywood.
According to an official LAPD statement, Sutherland "entered a ride-share vehicle, physically assaulted the driver (the victim), and made criminal threats". Authorities have confirmed the driver, who has not been publicly named, was not injured during the confrontation.
The case is now being handled by the LAPD's Hollywood Division for further investigation.
Release and Court Date
The 59-year-old Emmy-winning actor, best known for his role as Jack Bauer in the series '24', was released after posting a bond set at $50,000 (approximately £37,000).
He is scheduled to appear in court on February 2, 2026 to answer to the allegations.
A History of Legal Issues
This is not the first time Sutherland has faced legal trouble. His previous encounters with the law include:
- 2007: Arrested for misdemeanour drunk-driving. He pleaded no contest and served a 48-day jail sentence. This occurred during a five-year probation period related to a prior 2004 drink-driving arrest.
- 2009: Charged with misdemeanour assault in Manhattan after allegedly head-butting fashion designer Jack McCollough. The charge was later dropped following a joint statement in which Sutherland apologised.
- 2020: Arrested in Hollywood for making an illegal U-turn and subsequently failing a field sobriety test.
The son of the late actor Donald Sutherland has also faced criticism regarding his professional conduct. Former '24' co-star Freddie Prinze Jr. once labelled him "the most unprofessional dude in the world," claiming Sutherland's insecurity about their height difference led to awkward on-set demands. Prinze Jr. said the experience nearly made him quit acting altogether.
At the time, Sutherland's representative responded that it was the first the actor had heard of these grievances and that he enjoyed working with Prinze Jr.
Career Continues Amidst Controversy
Despite this latest incident and past controversies, Sutherland's career has remained active. He recently appeared in the festive film 'Tinsel Town' over the Christmas period, sharing the screen with a cast including Rebel Wilson, Danny Dyer, Katherine Ryan, and Jason Manford.
Metro has contacted representatives for Kiefer Sutherland seeking comment on the recent arrest.
