Justin Sutherland, Celebrity Chef, Faces Criminal Charge After Allegedly Threatening Girlfriend with Gun, Squeezing Her Neck

Chef Justin Sutherland, renowned for his appearances on "Iron Chef America" and "Top Chef," finds himself in legal trouble after being charged with felony threats of violence in Ramsey County.

The allegations stem from an incident where Food Network Celebrity Chef Sutherland allegedly assaulted and threatened his girlfriend with a firearm at their St. Paul residence, CBS News reports.

According to a criminal complaint, police responded to a distress call on Friday evening reporting a man with a gun at the 800 block of Front Avenue.

Witnesses described a tense situation where Minnesota chef Sutherland's girlfriend appeared distressed outside the building.

Sutherland was allegedly seen walking away from the scene.

Officers arrived to find Sutherland leaving the rear of the address, where he reportedly resisted initial instructions from police but was eventually apprehended.

A friend of Sutherland's informed police about ongoing issues between the couple, confirming they had intervened physically during previous disputes but denied witnessing Sutherland with a firearm during the latest incident.

Allegations of Assault and Threats

Minnesota chef Sutherland's girlfriend recounted to police a heated argument initiated by Justin Sutherland's frustration over canceled plans for a music festival and alleged racism from neighbors.

She claimed Sutherland escalated the argument by choking her and smashing her phone when she tried to seek help from her sister via Facetime.

Further details from the complaint include allegations that Sutherland retrieved a gun, pointed it at her, threatened to shoot, and struck her in the chest with the weapon, according to KSTP.

During a following search of the residence, police discovered multiple firearms, one of which appeared to have blood-like residue, corroborating the severity of the alleged assault.

Earlier the same day, police had responded to a similar disturbance involving Sutherland and his girlfriend, where she declined to provide his name out of fear.

Despite no arrests being made then, these incidents underline a history of tumultuous interactions between the couple.

Following his arrest, Sutherland appeared in court and was released on his own recognizance, albeit with conditions that include surrendering all firearms.

His attorney, John Daly, vehemently denied the allegations, asserting inaccuracies in the complaint and pledging to challenge the charges.

Justin Sutherland's culinary career has been marked by accolades and community involvement, including establishing popular dining venues like Big E sandwich shop and Pearl & the Thief.

Despite recent legal troubles, Sutherland remains actively expanding his restaurant ventures, with plans for new locations in Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Denial and Defense Amid Legal Proceedings

In response to the charges, Food Network Celebrity Chef Sutherland's legal team disputes the allegations of physical violence and firearm threats, characterizing him as a nonviolent community member.

The defense aims to counter the severity of the charges, which could lead to significant penalties if convicted, Bring Me The News noted.

Despite the legal challenges, Justin Sutherland continues pursuing his culinary ventures, underscoring his commitment to the local restaurant scene and enduring popularity among food enthusiasts.

His upcoming projects in Minneapolis and St. Paul reflect his ongoing contributions to the culinary landscape despite the legal cloud hovering over him.

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Ross Key

WATCH: Twin Cities celeb chef Justin Sutherland arrested on felony domestic assault charges - From FOX 9 Minneapolis-St. Paul