Former News Anchor Accused of Assaulting Daughter and Making Disturbing Social Media Post
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Renowned Bay Area broadcaster, Frank Somerville, 67, has recently been taken into custody under suspicion of battery after a physical altercation with his 20-year-old daughter, which he later referenced in a now-deleted Facebook post. This alarming incident has sparked widespread concern and garnered significant attention across various media outlets.
Somerville, once a familiar face on Bay Area news programs, encountered legal trouble on Monday, Sept. 15, when he was arrested for alleged battery causing serious bodily harm, as indicated by jail records accessed by PEOPLE. The altercation took place at a residence on Arlington Avenue in Oakland, with reports from SFGATE detailing the events leading to Somerville’s arrest.
According to sources such as the San Francisco Chronicle and the Los Angeles Times, Somerville’s daughter, Callie, visited his home visibly distressed about her overdrafted bank account. Allegedly, she demanded money from him, seized his phone, and refused to leave. In a since-removed Facebook post, Somerville disclosed, “I love my daughter more than anything in the world. I would never deliberately try to hurt her. But bad things happen in battle.”
Conflicting accounts emerged as Callie informed authorities that her father initiated the altercation. Following the incident, Somerville was booked at Santa Rita Jail and later released on bail, pending a decision from the Alameda County District Attorney’s Office on formal charges. This marks a troubling chapter in Somerville’s life, following previous public struggles and arrests, including alcohol-related incidents in 2021 and 2023.
Acknowledging his past troubles, Somerville addressed his nine months of sobriety in the controversial Facebook post and maintained that he was sober during the altercation. His attorney, Shannan Dugan, emphasised the sensitive nature of the situation as a family matter and expressed hopes for a resolution outside the courtroom.
The news of Somerville’s alleged assault and subsequent social media disclosure has prompted discussions regarding domestic conflicts, accountability, and the ramifications of airing personal disputes online. The case has also raised questions about the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges individuals face in times of distress.
As the situation unfolds, with legal proceedings pending, the community and media continue to monitor developments and offer support to all those involved. The incident serves as a stark reminder of the importance of addressing conflict in a constructive and responsible manner, particularly within familial relationships.
In conclusion, the alleged assault involving Frank Somerville and his daughter highlights the fragility of family dynamics and underscores the need for compassion, understanding, and effective communication in resolving conflicts. The aftermath of this incident underscores the significance of seeking help and support during times of distress, while advocating for the peaceful resolution of disputes to prevent escalation and harm.