Emmy Award-winning actor Kiefer Sutherland was arrested in Los Angeles early Monday morning following an alleged violent altercation with a ride-share driver. The 59-year-old star, best known for his iconic role as Jack Bauer in the thriller series 24, was taken into custody by the LAPD on suspicion of felony criminal threats. This breaking Kiefer Sutherland arrest has sent shockwaves through Hollywood, marking the latest legal trouble for the veteran actor.
Alleged Hollywood Hills Taxi Altercation Details
The incident unfolded shortly after midnight on Monday, January 12, 2026. According to the Los Angeles Police Department, officers responded to a radio call reporting an assault near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, just south of the Hollywood Hills. Police reports indicate that Sutherland allegedly entered a ride-hail vehicle and initiated a physical confrontation with the driver.
Authorities state that the actor "physically assaulted the driver and made criminal threats toward the victim." While the specifics of the dispute remain under investigation, police confirmed that the driver did not sustain injuries requiring immediate medical treatment at the scene. The confrontation quickly escalated, leading to the Kiefer Sutherland taxi driver altercation becoming a matter of police record by 12:15 a.m.
Legal Fallout: Charges and $50,000 Bond
Following the incident, Sutherland was transported to the LAPD jail where he was booked on suspicion of making criminal threats. The charges are serious, carrying potential felony implications depending on the outcome of the district attorney's review. The actor spent several hours in custody before being released.
Jail records confirm that Kiefer Sutherland's $50,000 bond was posted later that morning, securing his release. He is now scheduled to appear in court on February 2, 2026, to face these allegations formally. As of Wednesday, representatives for Sutherland have not issued a public statement regarding the Kiefer Sutherland assault charges.
A History of Legal Troubles
This is not the first time the Designated Survivor star has faced Jack Bauer actor legal trouble. Sutherland has a documented history with law enforcement in Los Angeles. Most notably, he served 48 days in jail in late 2007 following a DUI arrest that violated the probation terms of a previous drunk driving conviction. He also faced assault charges in 2009 related to an incident at a fashion party, though those charges were eventually dropped.
Industry Context and Recent Work
The arrest comes at a busy time for Sutherland, who remains a highly active figure in the entertainment industry. He recently starred in the film Tinsel Town opposite Rebel Wilson and continues to work on various film and television projects. The son of the late acting legend Donald Sutherland, Kiefer has built a career playing tough, uncompromising characters, a persona that is now uncomfortably mirroring real-life headlines.
As celebrity breaking news today continues to develop, industry insiders and fans alike are waiting to see how these new charges will impact his current projects. For now, the actor remains free on bail while awaiting his February court date.
