After being accused of assaulting a ride-sharing driver, Kiefer Sutherland was arrested in Hollywood.

Following allegations that he "physically assaulted a ride-share driver and made criminal threats," Los Angeles police arrested veteran actor Kiefer Sutherland early Monday in Hollywood. The 59-year-old, who played President Tom Kirkman on "Designated Survivor" and Jack Bauer on "24," was taken into custody shortly after midnight following a call about an altercation with a driver.

Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department responded to a radio call about an assault involving a ride-hailing driver near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, just south of the Hollywood Hills. According to the police, they discovered that Sutherland entered the ride-sharing vehicle, assaulted the driver, and threatened the driver before officers arrived. Sutherland was booked into an LAPD jail on suspicion of making "criminal threats," which is a felony under California law. He was released on a $50,000 bond a few hours later, and according to court records, his first appearance in Los Angeles County Superior Court is scheduled for February 2, 2026. The driver did not require treatment at the scene, and there were no reports of serious injuries, according to police reports.

The LAPD's Hollywood Division continues its investigation into the incident, and detectives have not yet released a comprehensive account of the circumstances surrounding the alleged altercation, despite the fact that authorities have provided basic information regarding the arrest. The legal issues that Sutherland encountered in 2026 mark the actor's second high-profile legal encounter, as his public career has frequently intersected with off-screen controversies.

He is still well-known for his work in movies and television, including his Emmy-winning role as counterterrorism agent Jack Bauer on the Fox thriller "24" and notable roles in "The Lost Boys," "Stand by Me," "Young Guns," and "A Few Good Men" films. Over the course of four decades in the entertainment industry, he has also made appearances in numerous films and television series. Donald Sutherland, a well-known actor who passed away in 2024, was Sutherland's father. Sutherland is British and Canadian at the same time.

His work has taken him from intense action and drama to comedy and independent films, helping him become a well-known and well-respected name in Hollywood. His legal history reveals previous interactions with law enforcement, despite the fact that Sutherland has not issued a public statement regarding the arrest in 2026. According to public records, he has faced alcohol-related charges in the past, including drunk driving convictions in 2004 and 2007. After failing a field sobriety test, he pleaded no contest to a DUI charge in 2007 and spent 48 days in jail. He was also taken into custody in New York in 2009 for allegedly punching a fashion designer in the head, but those charges were later dropped.

According to some international summaries of the case, in addition to the criminal threats charge, some accounts suggest that a dispute over a ride-share fare or toll may have led to the 2026 incident. According to one version of the incident, witnesses claim that an argument over a small additional fee quickly grew out of control before the police arrived. However, officials from the LAPD have not publicly confirmed these particular motives or the sequence in which the alleged assault occurred.

The current legal situation involving Sutherland takes place in the midst of ongoing debates regarding the behavior of celebrities, accountability, and the criminal justice system. His past arrests and alcoholism struggles have been cited by some commentators and the general public as part of a larger pattern; however, others warn against making hasty judgments until more information is made public. Sutherland is entitled to a presumption of innocence until proven guilty in court at this stage, as the charges are merely allegations. As the court date gets closer, the case is likely to get a lot of attention from the media.

According to legal experts, a defendant could face significant penalties if they are found guilty of felony criminal threats in California. However, outcomes frequently depend on plea agreements, prior convictions, and the specifics of the alleged threat. Whether prosecutors will file additional charges or how Sutherland's defense team will respond remains to be seen.

To date, neither Sutherland nor his representatives have officially responded to inquiries from the media. The particulars of the alleged altercation and whether any additional evidence, such as video footage or witness testimony, will emerge as the investigation continues will likely be shed more light on through court filings and future appearances.

The arrest is seen as a turning point for an actor whose professional accomplishments are deeply ingrained in popular culture and whose personal struggles occasionally surfaced in the public eye by both fans and critics. While the upcoming legal proceedings will undoubtedly be closely followed by entertainment and legal observers, it is unclear whether this incident will have long-term effects on his career.