Former KTVU Anchor Frank Somerville Arrested in Oakland

Lead Former Bay Area news anchor Frank Somerville was arrested Monday evening in Oakland on suspicion of battery with serious bodily injury, police and jail records indicate.

Nut Graf The arrest marks the latest in a series of legal troubles for Somerville, who once fronted prime-time newscasts at KTVU and has publicly battled alcoholism and prior criminal charges.

Arrest Details

  • Date and Location: Arrested Monday night, September 16, 2025, by Oakland police.
  • Charges: Battery with serious bodily injury.
  • Custody Status: Held at Santa Rita Jail; posted bail and released by Tuesday morning.
  • 2023 Incidents: Arrested twice within nine hours in Berkeley-for an altercation with his brother and for returning intoxicated to a residence while on probation.
  • 2021 Conviction: Pleaded guilty after crashing his Porsche into another vehicle in Oakland with a blood alcohol level three times the legal limit; received probation.

##context and Relevance Somerville’s high-profile fall from journalism prominence underscores ongoing concerns about addiction and accountability for public figures. His repeated encounters with law enforcement continue to generate community interest and media scrutiny.