The legal proceedings surrounding actor Kiefer Sutherland's alleged assault of a rideshare driver in Los Angeles have encountered a significant development this week. Prosecutors have formally returned the case to law enforcement authorities, requesting further investigation before any potential charges can move forward.
Case Returned for Additional Investigation
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office confirmed on Monday that they have sent the case involving the 59-year-old actor back to the Los Angeles Police Department. Officials have specifically requested more thorough probing of the incident before making any charging decisions. This procedural move comes just days after prosecutors acknowledged receiving the initial police investigation into Sutherland's alleged conduct.
Details of the Alleged Incident
Sutherland was taken into custody on January 14 following a reported conflict with a rideshare driver in Hollywood. The altercation occurred near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue, according to law enforcement sources. Police have indicated that Sutherland is suspected of assaulting the driver and entering the vehicle without proper consent, leading to his arrest on suspicion of felony criminal threats.
The two-time Emmy winner subsequently posted bail set at $50,000 following the incident. An insider familiar with the case has suggested that Sutherland might still face formal charges once the additional investigation is complete, though no court appearance occurred as originally scheduled for this week.
Historical Legal Context
This recent arrest represents the latest chapter in Sutherland's extensive history of legal encounters spanning several decades. The actor, best known for his television roles in 24 and Designated Survivor along with film appearances in classics like A Few Good Men, The Lost Boys, and Stand by Me, has faced multiple alcohol-related driving incidents over the years.
Previous Incarceration Experience
In January 2008, Sutherland completed a 48-day sentence at Glendale City Jail following a drunken driving conviction. The actor had entered a no contest plea in October 2007 to driving with a blood-alcohol level exceeding legal limits during a September 2007 incident. His sentence was extended by 18 days due to a probation violation connected to a 2004 arrest for similar offenses.
During his incarceration, Sutherland reportedly worked in the jail's laundry facility, handling sheets, pillowcases, and blankets. Law enforcement officials described him as a model prisoner who remained humble and cooperative throughout his sentence. Following his release, Sutherland expressed deep regret for his actions, stating he was very disappointed in himself for exhibiting poor judgment and apologizing to family, friends, and colleagues.
Longstanding Legal History
Sutherland's legal troubles extend back to the late 1980s, when he was arrested for alcohol-related reckless driving and possession of a loaded weapon in Los Angeles. He pleaded no contest to the driving charge while prosecutors dropped the weapons allegation. Further incidents followed in 1993 with another alcohol-related reckless driving arrest resulting in a no contest plea and 200 hours of community service.
The 2004 driving under the influence arrest led to Sutherland enrolling in a court-supervised treatment program and agreeing to five years of probation, conditions that became relevant during his 2007 sentencing. The England-born, Canada-raised actor and son of late acting legend Donald Sutherland has maintained a consistent pattern of legal encounters throughout his career.
As the Los Angeles Police Department conducts the additional investigation requested by prosecutors, representatives for Sutherland, the LAPD, and the District Attorney's Office have been contacted for further comment regarding the current case's developments.
