Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland has found himself on the wrong side of the law once again, arrested in Los Angeles following a confrontation with a rideshare driver. This latest incident adds another chapter to the 59-year-old star's extensive history of legal entanglements spanning four decades.
The Latest Arrest and Charges
According to police reports, the 24 star was taken into custody early on Monday in the Hollywood area, near the intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue. The altercation stemmed from a dispute with a rideshare driver. Authorities state that Sutherland is suspected of assaulting the driver and entering the vehicle without consent.
This led to his arrest on suspicion of felony criminal threats. Following the incident, Sutherland was released after posting a $50,000 bond. He is scheduled to appear in court on February 2 to answer the charges.
A Decades-Long Pattern of Legal Woes
Sutherland's brush with the law is far from an isolated event. His record includes multiple arrests, primarily for driving-related offences. One of the most significant resulted in a 48-day jail sentence in Glendale City Jail in late 2007 and early 2008 for a drunken driving conviction.
At the time, he was described by police as a "model prisoner" who was "very humble" and caused no problems during his sentence, which involved laundry duty. This sentence was extended due to a probation violation linked to a prior 2004 DUI arrest.
His legal troubles began much earlier, however. Records show an arrest in 1989 for alcohol-related reckless driving and possession of a loaded weapon, with the weapon charge later dropped. He was arrested again for a similar reckless driving offence in 1993, receiving a sentence of 200 hours of community service.
Reflections and Repercussions
Following his 2007 plea deal, Sutherland expressed deep regret, stating he was "very disappointed" in himself and apologising for the distress caused to his family and colleagues. As part of that agreement, he was placed on five years of probation, enrolled in an 18-month alcohol education programme, and required to attend weekly therapy sessions.
The son of the late acting legend Donald Sutherland, Kiefer is a two-time Emmy winner, best known for his iconic role as Jack Bauer in 24 and films like Stand by Me and The Lost Boys. Despite his professional success, his personal life has been repeatedly marred by these incidents. Representatives for Sutherland have been contacted for comment regarding the latest arrest.
