Kiefer Sutherland arrested for assaulting ride-share driver in Hollywood

Kiefer Sutherland, the legendary star of Fox’s 24, was arrested just after midnight in Hollywood for allegedly assaulting and threatening a ride-share driver. The 59-year-old actor was taken into custody early Monday morning after a dramatic altercation that shocked fans worldwide.

What Happened During the Hollywood Incident

Kiefer Sutherland allegedly entered a ride-share vehicle and physically assaulted the driver while making criminal threats, according to the Los Angeles Police Department. Officers responded to a report of an assault just after midnight on Monday morning at the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, two major Hollywood landmarks. The ride-share driver did not sustain injuries requiring medical treatment at the scene. Sutherland was arrested shortly after police arrived on the scene.

The investigation determined that the 24 star had entered the vehicle, engaged in physical contact with the driver, and made threatening statements. Police did not specify the exact nature of the threats or the circumstances that led to the altercation between the two men.

The Arrest and Detention Timeline

Kiefer Sutherland was booked into jail just after 4 a.m. on January 13, 2026, on an unspecified felony charge related to criminal threats. He spent approximately 7 hours in custody before being released after paying a $50,000 bond according to Los Angeles County jail records. The actor was ordered to appear in court on February 2, 2026 for his first appearance. His representatives have not yet responded to requests for comment.

This marks another chapter in the veteran actor’s complicated history with law enforcement, which includes multiple DUI arrests dating back decades.

Kiefer Sutherland’s Career and Background

Kiefer Sutherland became a household name as federal agent Jack Bauer on the hit Fox thriller 24, which ran from 2001 to 2010 and spawned multiple spinoffs. The British-Canadian actor also appeared in iconic films including The Lost Boys, Young Guns, Stand by Me, and A Few Good Men. His portrayal of complex, often morally ambiguous characters made him one of television and film’s most recognizable action stars for decades.

Career Detail	Information
Most Famous Role	Jack Bauer on Fox’s 24 (2001-2010)
Other Major Films	The Lost Boys, Young Guns, Stand by Me, A Few Good Men
Father	Donald Sutherland, legendary Hollywood actor
Current Age	59 years old

“The investigation determined that the suspect, later identified as Kiefer Sutherland, entered a rideshare vehicle, physically assaulted the driver, and made criminal threats toward the victim.”

Los Angeles Police Department, Official Statement

Sutherland’s History with Legal Troubles

Kiefer Sutherland’s arrest comes as part of a long history of legal issues involving alcohol and driving under the influence. The actor was sentenced to 48 days in jail in 2007 after pleading no contest to a drunken driving charge and violating probation. He was previously convicted for DUI in 2004 and has faced multiple alcohol-related arrests spanning from the 1990s through recent years. In 2009, Sutherland was arrested for assault, though that charge was later dropped. Most recently, he was arrested in 2020 for making an illegal U-turn in Hollywood.

This latest incident marks a concerning escalation in his legal troubles, shifting from traffic violations and substance abuse charges to allegations of physical assault and criminal threats.

What Comes Next for the 24 Star?

Kiefer Sutherland is scheduled to appear in court on February 2, 2026 to address the charges related to the ride-share incident. The felony criminal threats charge suggests prosecutors are taking the allegations seriously, as such charges carry potential jail time. No details have emerged regarding whether the actor has retained legal representation or how he plans to respond to the charges. The case will likely draw significant media attention given his decades of prominence in Hollywood and his iconic role as the action hero Jack Bauer on 24.

Whether this incident will impact his ongoing entertainment projects or career remains to be seen as the legal process unfolds in the coming weeks.

Sources

• BBC News – Breaking news coverage of Kiefer Sutherland’s arrest in Hollywood
• NBC News – Law enforcement details and booking information from LAPD
• Associated Press (AP) – Official statement from Los Angeles Police Department and criminal charges