Top Chef Star Justin Sutherland Accused of Threatening Girlfriend with Gun

Celebrity chef Justin Sutherland, known for his appearance on Top Chef season 16, was arrested and charged with felony threats of violence after allegedly threatening to kill his girlfriend while holding her at gunpoint.

Celebrity chef Justin Sutherland, who rose to fame after appearing on season 16 of Top Chef, has been accused of threatening to kill his girlfriend outside a residence in Minnesota on June 28. According to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital, Sutherland was arrested and charged with one felony count of threats of violence with reckless disregard.

Top Chef Star Justin Sutherland Accused of Threatening Girlfriend with Gun

Police were initially dispatched to the scene after receiving a 911 call about a man allegedly holding a woman at gunpoint. Upon arrival, officers found Sutherland exiting the address and reportedly ordered him to turn around and place his hands behind his head. Sutherland allegedly responded by resisting arrest and shouting obscenities at the officers.

According to the police report, Sutherland's girlfriend, identified as "SDL" in court documents, told police that their initial argument stemmed from a canceled music festival that they had planned to attend. She claims that while she was on the phone with her sister, Sutherland placed both hands around her neck and applied pressure while uttering, "I want you dead." Despite being able to breathe, she stated that the exchange lasted approximately three seconds.

Top Chef Star Justin Sutherland Accused of Threatening Girlfriend with Gun

SDL further alleges that Sutherland took her phone and damaged it when she kicked him away. She then went to a neighbor's house for a phone but claims Sutherland followed her with a black handgun, standing in the doorway and stating, "Don't come back here, or I am going to shoot you."

Upon being approached by police, Sutherland allegedly pointed the gun at SDL and struck her in the chest with the weapon. In a subsequent interview, SDL told police that the strangulation lasted longer, estimating five to six seconds. She also claimed that during their argument inside the residence, she knocked the gun out of Sutherland's hands.

Top Chef Star Justin Sutherland Accused of Threatening Girlfriend with Gun

Sutherland has since issued a statement via Fox News Digital, apologizing for the situation but maintaining his innocence. "I deeply regret putting myself in that position and the pain and distress caused to those around me. I sincerely apologize to my family, friends, and fans," he said.

Sutherland maintains his innocence and expressed his commitment to seeking professional help and making positive changes in his life. "I look forward to using the judicial system to prove my innocence and further show the truth behind this incident," he added.

Top Chef Star Justin Sutherland Accused of Threatening Girlfriend with Gun

Sutherland's attorney, John Daly, stated, "We all look forward to the truth coming out as the court process unfolds." Currently, Sutherland has been released without bail on his own recognizance and has voluntarily entered a treatment center.

Sutherland's involvement in the culinary industry has been extensive, appearing on numerous television programs such as Top Chef, Iron Chef, Fast Foodies, and Taste the Culture. His recent victory at the Daytime Emmy Awards for his role as a culinary host on Taste the Culture has been overshadowed by these recent allegations.

Top Chef Star Justin Sutherland Accused of Threatening Girlfriend with Gun