Overview
- The lawsuit, filed Friday by driver Rafael Manvelyan, accuses Sutherland of assault, battery, negligence and intentional infliction of emotional distress and seeks unspecified damages including punitive awards.
- The complaint says the January ride began with Sutherland appearing "visibly intoxicated," grew verbally hostile, and then escalated into a physical attack that included repeated punches and a chokehold while the driver was behind the wheel.
- Manvelyan alleges injuries to his head, neck, spine and shoulder and says his dashcam and witnesses captured parts of the incident, but his lawyer has declined to release the footage and asked the court to resolve evidentiary questions.
- The LAPD detained Sutherland on suspicion of criminal threats after the January call but said officers at the scene found no injuries that required medical treatment, a detail that conflicts with the driver's account and is noted in the case record.
- The suit moves the dispute from a police inquiry into civil litigation where judges and lawyers will weigh the dashcam, witness statements and medical claims, and observers will watch for a formal response from Sutherland’s representatives.