Man Allegedly Drugs Friend's Beer and Then Beats Him, on Multiple Occasions

A 48-year-old Arlington man allegedly drugged a male friend’s beer on two occasions, and, each time, he then broke into the friend’s apartment and beat him while he was passed out, according to police.

Clyde Sommers, of Massachusetts Avenue, was arrested at about 9:39 a.m. Monday, July 23, for assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, assault and battery and felony breaking and entering, after the alleged victim went to Arlington Police Sunday morning.

The victim said he met Sommers three months ago, and that on Tuesday, July 3, he went to Sommers’ apartment for a few beers and some conversation. He said Sommers gave him a few unopened beers but then handed him an open one later in the night. After drinking this beer, the victim said he got tired and went home, locked his door and went to bed.

The victim said the next morning he noticed bruising on his body but didn’t think much of it.

The night of Sunday, July 8, the same thing happened, according to the victim. And again, he woke up with bruises, he said. The two men were drinking alone on both occasions, he added.

After a female friend saw his bruises on Monday, July 9, the victim said he confronted Sommers, and Sommers admitted to drugging him, breaking into his apartment and beating him on both nights.

The victim said he waited until Sunday, July 22, to contact police because he wasn’t sure what to do and feared retaliation.

He said he believes Sommers has done this same thing to others.

Police investigated the victim’s claims prior to arresting Sommers.