In a shocking development that has sent ripples from California to the UK, veteran television news anchor Frank Somerville has been suspended and faces serious criminal charges following a domestic incident at his home.
The 67-year-old Emmy Award-winning journalist, a familiar face to many American expats and international viewers, was arrested by Berkeley police on Tuesday night. He was booked into jail on suspicion of two felony counts: domestic abuse and assaulting a police officer.
The incident unfolded when officers responded to a call at Somerville's residence. According to police reports, the situation escalated dramatically, resulting in the alleged assault on a law enforcement official. Specific details of the domestic abuse allegation remain under investigation.
Somerville, who has been a mainstay on Oakland's KTVU channel for decades, was swiftly suspended by the station. A KTVU spokesperson confirmed the suspension, stating the matter is "being taken very seriously" but declining further comment due to the ongoing legal proceedings.
This arrest marks a devastating turn for the journalist, who has been open about his personal struggles in the past. In 2021, he was briefly suspended after a contentious on-air dispute about covering the death of Sarah Everard. He later took a leave of absence, citing a need to focus on his health and recovery from a prior car accident.
The news community and viewers have expressed a mixture of shock and concern. Somerville was widely respected for his professional demeanour and decades of trusted reporting, making this alleged incident all the more startling.
He was released from custody on Wednesday afternoon after posting bail, set at $30,000. The Alameda County District Attorney's office is now reviewing the case to determine what formal charges, if any, will be filed.
