Actor Kiefer Sutherland was arrested early Monday in Hollywood after allegedly assaulting and threatening a ride-share driver, according to Los Angeles police. The 59-year-old star of ’24’ was booked on suspicion of making criminal threats and released on $50,000 bail.
In the early hours of Monday, January 13, 2026, Los Angeles police responded to a report of an assault near Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue in Hollywood. Officers arrived at the scene around 12:15 a.m. and found that the suspect, later identified as Kiefer Sutherland, had entered a rideshare vehicle and physically assaulted the driver while making criminal threats. The investigation determined that Sutherland was the perpetrator, leading to his immediate arrest.
Sutherland was taken into custody at the scene and transported to the LAPD jail, where he was booked on a felony charge related to the incident. Jail records indicate that he was processed a little after 4 a.m. and assigned a bail amount of $50,000. He bonded out approximately seven hours later, securing his release from custody. A court date has been set for February 2, where he is expected to face the allegations formally.
The victim, the rideshare driver, did not sustain any injuries that required medical treatment at the scene, as confirmed by police statements from both the Los Angeles Times and NBC News. This detail suggests that the altercation, while serious, did not result in physical harm necessitating immediate hospital care. However, the psychological impact of the threats and assault remains a concern, and the driver’s identity has not been disclosed to the public.
Hollywood Division detectives are continuing their investigation into the incident, which could uncover more details about the motives or circumstances leading to the alleged assault. Police have not released information on what sparked the confrontation, but it is standard procedure for such cases to be thoroughly reviewed before court proceedings. The ongoing probe may involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing surveillance footage, or gathering additional evidence.
Kiefer Sutherland, best known for his role as Jack Bauer in the television series ’24’ and President Tom Kirkman in ‘Designated Survivor,’ has had previous encounters with the law. His history includes drunk driving charges in 2004 and 2007, the latter resulting in a 48-day jail sentence for driving under the influence and a probation violation. An assault charge from 2009 was later dropped, and he was most recently arrested in 2020 on suspicion of DUI after making an illegal U-turn in Hollywood.
The arrest has sparked media attention due to Sutherland’s high profile in the entertainment industry. Representatives for the actor did not immediately respond to requests for comment from news outlets, leaving his side of the story unclear. As the case develops, public interest is likely to grow, especially given Sutherland’s status as a Golden Globe winner and longtime figure in Hollywood.
Looking ahead, the court hearing on February 2 will be a critical next step in determining the legal outcomes for Sutherland. Depending on the evidence and any potential plea deals, he could face penalties ranging from fines to imprisonment if convicted. The incident also highlights broader issues around celebrity behavior and accountability, resonating within the entertainment community and beyond.
