Kiefer Sutherland Arrested After Shocking Late Night Rideshare Incident
By Chukwudi Onyewuchi on January 14, 2026 at 8:30 AM EST
Kiefer Sutherland was taken into custody following a late-night incident in Los Angeles that allegedly involved a rideshare driver.
The arrest, confirmed by police, unfolded just after midnight and quickly drew attention due to the serious nature of the accusation.
Authorities say the situation escalated inside the vehicle before officers intervened. As investigators continue to review the case, the incident has also resurfaced past legal troubles for the longtime Hollywood star.
Kiefer Sutherland Taken Into Custody After Alleged Rideshare Altercation
Kiefer Sutherland was arrested Monday after an alleged confrontation with a rideshare driver, according to the Los Angeles Police Department.
Officers responded to a radio call shortly after midnight reporting an “assault involving a rideshare driver.” The suspect was later identified as Kiefer.
Police said the actor allegedly entered the vehicle near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, where the incident occurred.
According to the police statement, he is accused of assaulting the driver and then threatening them.
Despite the seriousness of the allegation, police said the driver did not suffer injuries that required medical attention at the scene.
Kiefer Booked On Criminal Threats Charge As Investigation Continues
Following the alleged incident, Kiefer Sutherland was arrested on suspicion of criminal threats.
The felony charge applies to cases in which a person threatens to kill someone or cause serious bodily injury in order to instill fear.
The 59-year-old was booked at 4:23 a.m. at the LAPD’s Hollywood Division. According to law enforcement, detectives from the Hollywood Division are continuing to investigate the case.
Records reviewed by the Daily Mail show that Kiefer was released later that morning at 11:30 a.m. after posting a $50,000 bond.
An initial court date has been scheduled for February 2.
Kiefer Sutherland’s Arrest Brings Focus Back To Past Legal Issues
The latest arrest adds to a history of legal troubles for Kiefer. In 2007, the “Designated Survivor” star pleaded no contest to driving under the influence after failing a field sobriety test.
Because he had already been convicted of a DUI in 2004, he was sentenced to 48 days in jail for the 2007 offense.
In 2009, Kiefer was arrested for assault after head-butting fashion designer Jack McCollough following a fundraiser for the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.
That case was later dropped after Kiefer publicly apologized, with the two men issuing a joint statement.
These prior incidents have often been linked to the actor’s relationship with alcohol, something Kiefer has addressed openly in past interviews.
Kiefer Previously Spoke Candidly About Alcohol Use
In a 2016 interview with PEOPLE Magazine, Kiefer Sutherland reflected on how alcohol has played a role in difficult moments throughout his life.
He said, “I was never the guy, if something was wrong in my life or something wasn’t right, I didn’t go drown my sorrows.”
The movie star went on to explain that social drinking often led to trouble, adding, “One of the things I love to do is go out with my friends and tell stories and have a bunch of drinks.”
Kiefer acknowledged the consequences of those choices, saying, “I can also look back on my life and tell you very squarely that the only bad things that have ever happened to me in my life have been because I like to go to bars and have drinks with my friends.”
He concluded, “I would be lying if I told you that there weren’t moments where I felt I let it get away from me.”
Kiefer Sutherland’s Career And Legacy Beyond The Arrest
Beyond the arrest, Kiefer remains one of television’s most recognizable stars.
He is the oldest son of the late Donald Sutherland, who died in June 2024 at age 88.
He also has a twin sister, Rachel, and younger brothers Roeg, Rossif, and Angus.
Kiefer is best known for his role as counter-terrorism agent Jack Bauer on Fox’s hit series “24,” which debuted in November 2001 and ran for eight seasons through 2010, later returning with a follow-up series in 2014.
The show’s real-time format and focus on terrorism resonated deeply in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks and helped revive his career.
He first gained fame in the 1980s, making his screen debut in “Max Dugan Returns” alongside his father, followed by “Stand By Me,” “The Lost Boys,” “Young Guns,” and "Flatliners."
More recently, Kiefer starred in “Touch,” “Designated Survivor,” and films directed by William Friedkin and Clint Eastwood, including “The Caine Mutiny Court-Martial” and “Juror #2.”
