Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland was arrested in Los Angeles earlier this month following a violent altercation with an Uber driver, who claims the star repeatedly punched him and attempted to choke him.
Details of the Alleged Hollywood Altercation
The incident occurred on January 12 near Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue in Hollywood. According to sources speaking to ABC News, the Uber driver told police he exited his vehicle to escape Sutherland, who witnesses described as appearing to be 'under the influence'.
The driver reportedly called 911 while fleeing from the actor. Police have stated Sutherland is suspected of assaulting the driver and entering the vehicle without consent, leading to his arrest on suspicion of felony criminal threats. Authorities confirmed no one required medical treatment following the violent exchange.
A potential key piece of evidence exists: the Uber driver had a dash cam in his vehicle, and footage from it could provide further clarity on the events that unfolded.
Legal Proceedings and Past Offences
While the 59-year-old actor has not yet been formally charged, officials from the Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office indicated the Los Angeles Police Department is still preparing its case. Sources suggest charges are expected to be filed closer to next month, with Sutherland having a court date scheduled for February 2.
Sutherland was released after posting $50,000 bond. This arrest adds to the actor's lengthy history with law enforcement, which spans four decades.
Most notably, in January 2008, he was released from jail after serving a 48-day sentence for a drunken driving conviction. He was described as a 'model prisoner' during that stint at Glendale City Jail, where his work involved laundering bedding. That sentence resulted from a no contest plea in October 2007 and was extended due to a probation violation linked to a 2004 DUI arrest.
A History of Legal Troubles
Kiefer Sutherland's arrest record dates back to the late 1980s:
- 1989: Arrested for alcohol-related reckless driving and possession of a loaded weapon in Los Angeles. Pleaded no contest to the driving charge; the weapons charge was dropped.
- 1993: Arrested again for alcohol-related reckless driving, receiving a sentence of 200 hours of community service.
- 2004 & 2007: Further DUI arrests leading to the jail sentence mentioned above.
Following his 2007 plea deal, Sutherland expressed contrition, stating he was 'very disappointed' in his 'poor judgement' and apologised for the distress caused to his family and colleagues on the series '24'.
The son of the late acting legend Donald Sutherland, the England-born, Canada-raised star is best known for iconic roles such as Jack Bauer in '24' and President Thomas Kirkman in 'Designated Survivor', as well as films like 'Stand by Me' and 'The Lost Boys'.
The Daily Mail has reached out to representatives for both Sutherland and Uber for further comment on the ongoing case.
