In this Jan. 25, 2009 file photo, Kiefer Sutherland arrives at the 15th Annual Screen Actors Guild Awards in Los Angeles. THE ASSOCIATED PRESS/Matt Sayles, file

NEW YORK - Kiefer Sutherland's lawyer says an investigation by New York City officials into a charge he head-butted a fashion designer will show he was not an instigator.

The star of Fox television's "24" was charged Thursday with third-degree assault after fashion designer Jack McCollough reported the incident.

Police say the two apparently argued at a party in Manhattan before McCollough was head-butted. Sutherland, the son of Canadian actors Donald Sutherland and Shirley Douglas, was interviewed by investigators, given a ticket and released on his own recognizance. The minor charge is akin to a speeding ticket.

Representatives for McCollough say his injuries are more serious than what was initially noted on the police report. McCollough's nose was broken in several places. The police report says he suffered a cut on his nose.