SAINT PAUL, Minn — Nationally renowned chef and reality TV star Justin Sutherland was arrested in Saint Paul on Friday night and booked into the Ramsey County Jail. On Monday morning he was charged with one count of felony threats of violence, accused of pointing a gun at his girlfriend.
According to the criminal complaint, the woman told police Sutherland pointed the gun at her and then hit her in the chest with it, telling her, "Don't come back here or I am going to shoot you."
Two people called 911 including a friend of Sutherland's, who told the dispatcher he tried to break up a fight between the couple and noticed a gun case on Sutherland's bed, according to court papers.
Details alleged the criminal complaint include:
- Sutherland and the victim began arguing because they were no longer going to a music festival; Sutherland was upset by racist neighbors and was taking out his frustration on the victim.
- The victim said Sutherland put his hands around her neck and said "I want you dead."
- The victim said when she ran from the house, Sutherland told her, "Don't come back here or I am going to shoot you," then after he hit her with the gun, she put up her hands and said, "Don't shoot me."
- The victim said when Sutherland's friend arrived, he was able to get the gun away from him.
- In a follow-up interview, the victim told police Sutherland strangled her, broke her phone, and threatened to kill her more than once.
- When police arrived to arrest Sutherland, he screamed "You should just f****** kill me," before surrendering while yelling racially derogatory remarks at the officer.
Police responded earlier Friday to the same address on a report from the victim that her boyfriend choked her and was trying to kick her out of the apartment, but in that instance, she refused to give authorities her boyfriend's name because she didn't want to get anyone into trouble, according to the criminal complaint.
Sutherland's attorney John Daly told KARE 11 News that Sutherland "vehemently denies the allegations in the complaint."
"Many statements in the complaint by the alleged victim are absolutely false. Justin never strangled anyone. He never pointed a gun. This was just an argument between two people whose relationship was coming to an end and he's looking forward to the truth being disclosed in the court process," Daly said.
KARE 11 News reached Sutherland's father and business partner Kerry Sutherland on Saturday, who said he didn't know much about what happened. Kerry Sutherland declined to comment until he learned more.
Justin Sutherland owns Big E on Grand Ave. in Saint Paul and is the chef at Northern Soul at MSP Airport. Sutherland and his father are working with the Rondo Community Land Trust to open another restaurant. He is no longer affiliated with his first restaurant, Handsome Hog.
He's also the founder of streetwear and lifestyle brand Hybrid Nation.
The Saint Paul native competed on Season 16 of "Top Chef" and won Iron Chef America, where he went head-to-head with Iron Chef Alex Guarnaschelli.
Sutherland is also the co-host of TruTV's "Fast Foodies" with Kristen Kish and Jeremy Ford.
For anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse, or believes someone they know is experiencing abuse, here are some resources to receive help:
Minnesota Day One Crisis Line
Call: 1-866-223-1111
Text: 612-399-9995
Please call 911 in an emergency.
Cornerstone Advocacy Services: How to Receive Immediate Help
Hennepin County Attorney’s Office: Domestic Abuse Service Center
Violence Free Minnesota: How to Get Help
Minnesota Domestic Abuse Project
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