24 star Kiefer Sutherland arrested for DUI

Award-winning Canadian actor Kiefer Sutherland, star of television anti-terrorism series 24, was arrested in Los Angeles early Tuesday on drunk driving charges.

Officers noticed Sutherland's vehicle making an illegal U-turn in western Los Angeles shortly after 1 a.m. local time Tuesday morning andpulled it over, according to police spokeswoman Karen Smith.

The actor failed a field sobriety test, registering over the state's legal blood alcohol limit of .08, and was arrested on a misdemeanour charge of driving under the influence, Smith said.

Police released the 40-year-old actor after he posted $25,000 US bail. He is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 16.

Sutherland is the son of actors Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas, and the grandson of Tommy Douglas, the famed former Saskatchewan premier and founder of medicare.

Though most recently known for his Emmy and Golden Globe Award-winning role as anti-terrorism agent Jack Bauer on the television serial 24, Sutherland's many film credits include Stand By Me, The Lost Boys, Young Guns, The Sentinel and Phone Booth.

Inducted into Canada's Walk of Fame in 2005, Sutherland is scheduled to receive an Award of Excellence from Canada's actor's union, ACTRA, in Los Angeles later on Tuesday.