Celebrity legal stories have a way of resurfacing just when things seem quiet, and Kiefer Sutherland’s latest situation is doing exactly that.
The veteran actor is once again in the news after a case involving an alleged confrontation with a rideshare driver in Los Angeles took an unexpected turn.
Prosecutors Hit Pause and Send Case Back to Police
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has decided not to move forward just yet.
Instead, prosecutors have sent the case back to the Los Angeles Police Department, asking officers to dig deeper before any formal charges are filed.
Officials confirmed on Monday that the matter was returned to law enforcement for further investigation.
As a result, Sutherland did not appear in court as initially expected, since no case had officially been filed against him at that point.
What Sparked the Investigation in the First Place
The incident traces back to January 14, when Sutherland was taken into custody following an alleged dispute with a rideshare driver in Hollywood.
The confrontation reportedly happened near the busy intersection of Sunset Boulevard and Fairfax Avenue.
Police said the actor was suspected of assaulting the driver and entering the vehicle without permission.
That led to his arrest on suspicion of making felony criminal threats.
Afterward, Sutherland posted a $50,000 bond and was released.
Charges Still Possible Despite the Delay
While the case has been sent back for more review, that doesn’t mean it’s over.
A source told The California Post that Sutherland could still face charges once investigators complete additional work on the case.
Representatives for the actor and the LAPD have not yet offered further public comment.
A Career Spanning Decades, Shadowed by Legal Trouble
This arrest adds to a long and complicated legal history for the two-time Emmy winner.
Known for iconic roles in 24, Designated Survivor, A Few Good Men, The Lost Boys, and Stand by Me, Sutherland’s acting résumé spans more than 40 years—but so do his run-ins with the law.
The 2007 DUI That Led to Jail Time
One of the most notable moments in Sutherland’s past came in 2007, when he pleaded no contest to driving with a blood-alcohol level above the legal limit.
That case resulted in a 30-day jail sentence, which was later extended by 18 days after he violated probation connected to an earlier DUI arrest.
He served the full 48-day sentence at Glendale City Jail and was released in January 2008.
Life Behind Bars, According to Police
At the time of his release, a Los Angeles police officer described Sutherland as cooperative and low-key during his incarceration.
His duties reportedly included laundering sheets and blankets, and officers said he caused no trouble.
The actor later joked about the experience on Late Night With David Letterman, comparing jail to a holiday brochure that delivers exactly what it promises—no surprises, and none of them good.
Public Apology and Court-Ordered Programs
After reaching a plea deal, Sutherland openly admitted regret over his actions.
He released a statement expressing disappointment in himself and apologizing to his family, friends, and colleagues.
As part of the agreement, he remained on probation for five years, enrolled in an 18-month alcohol education program, and attended weekly therapy sessions for six months.
A Pattern Dating Back to the 1980s
Sutherland’s arrest record stretches back decades.
In 1989, he was taken into custody for alcohol-related reckless driving and possession of a loaded weapon, though the weapons charge was later dropped.
Similar arrests followed in 1993 and 2004, each tied to alcohol-related offenses and resulting in probation, community service, or treatment programs.
What Happens Next in the Uber Driver Case?
For now, the case sits back with the LAPD as investigators review the details and gather more information.
Prosecutors could still decide to file charges, or they may ultimately decline to move forward depending on what the additional investigation uncovers.
Until then, the situation remains unresolved—another chapter in a long history of legal issues for one of Hollywood’s most recognizable faces.
