‘Top Chef’ Star Arrested, Accused of Choking, Holding Gun to Girl

Celebrity chef Justin Sutherland has been charged with threatening to kill his girlfriend outside his Minnesota home on June 28.

Sutherland, who appeared on Season 16 of “Top Chef,” was arrested and charged with one felony count of making threats of violence with gross disregard, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital.

According to the report, police responded to a 911 call about a man threatening a woman with a gun.

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Police arrived around 8 p.m. and found Sutherland leaving the address. When police asked him to turn around and put his hands behind his head, Sutherland allegedly shouted, “I called 911 and you’re trying to f—ing arrest me?” and “You should f—ing kill me.”

Sutherland’s girlfriend told police that she and her boyfriend had initially argued about a music festival they no longer intended to go to. The girl, identified only as “SDL” in court documents, claimed she called her sister and while they were talking to her, Sutherland “put both hands around her neck and started pushing her down, saying, ‘I want you to die.'” She said she was able to breathe and the exchange lasted only about three seconds.

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She said she then threw Sutherland out, but the chef allegedly took her phone and damaged it. SDL said she went to a neighbor’s to get the phone, but Sutherland followed her with a black handgun. He stood in the doorway and allegedly said, “Don’t come back here or I’ll shoot you.”

As he approached Sutherland, he allegedly pointed the gun at her and then struck her in the chest with it.

In a later interview, SDL told police the chokehold lasted longer, five to six seconds. She also claimed that during their argument inside, she knocked the gun out of Sutherland’s hands.

Sutherland issued a statement, obtained by Fox News Digital, apologizing for the situation but maintaining his innocence. “Over the weekend, I found myself in a situation where I was arrested and charged with a crime. I deeply regret putting myself in that situation and the pain and suffering it has caused those around me. I sincerely apologize to my family, friends and fans,” he said.

“I am innocent of these charges and look forward to using the judicial system to prove my innocence. However, this incident has made me realize the urgent need to seek professional help and make significant changes in my life.”

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“I commit to making amends and seeking healing. Again, I offer my sincerest apologies to all who have been affected by my actions. Thank you for your support and understanding during this difficult time as we wait for the truth to emerge and further proof of my innocence.”

Sutherland’s attorney, John Daly, said: “We all look forward to the truth being revealed as the legal process unfolds.”

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The reality star, who was released on his own recognizance without having to post bail, is voluntarily checking into a treatment center.

Last year, Sutherland won a Daytime Emmy Award for Culinary Host for his work on “Taste the Culture,” beating out other big-name hosts Guy Fieri, Ina Garten and Emeril Lagasse.