Man Arrested After Steel Broom Assault In Somerville

SOMERVILLE, MA — A man was arrested after reportedly striking another person in the head with a steel broom during an altercation in Davis Square earlier this month.

Samuel Valera was charged with assault and battery with a dangerous weapon and assault and battery on a person over 60 or disabled on Tuesday, Sept. 15. Somerville police officers responded to Statue Park at 30 Davis Square shortly before 12 p.m. after receiving a report of an injured person. Upon arrival, officers found the victim bleeding heavily from what appeared to be a deep laceration on the left side of his head.

The victim, whose identity has not been revealed, told police that he had recently broken up with his girlfriend and became involved in a heated verbal dispute with Valera regarding the relationship as he attempted to enter the park. The argument reportedly became physical, and the two exchanged punches. During the altercation, a bottle of vodka fell from the victim and shattered on the ground. The victim said he attempted to retreat before Valera grabbed a gray steel broom and struck him in the head with the shaft, knocking him to the ground. He reportedly fled the area after getting back to his feet with his face covered in blood. The victim was transported by Cataldo EMS to Cambridge City Hospital for medical treatment.

Officers subsequently approached Valera, who was reportedly sitting on a bench in the park. Valera told police that the victim became angry and pushed him after he asked about his girlfriend, leading the two to exchange punches. Valera said the victim began to leave before bending down and picking up what he believed was a screwdriver. According to the police report, Valera admitted to grabbing the broom and striking the victim in the head as he stood back up. When an officer asked whether the victim had used the object against him, Valera reportedly said he had not. Police recovered evidence from the scene before Valera was taken into custody and transported to the Somerville Police Station for booking and processing.

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