Bar manager arrested in assault; victim has life-threatening injuries

A Mitchell bar manager has been arrested for simple assault following a pair of Sept. 30 incidents that left a male victim with life-threatening injuries.

Thirsty’s bar manager Thomas Somerville, 37, allegedly assaulted a 36-yearold man at the bar at 1:31 a.m. by grabbing the victim by the neck and pushing him on the floor inside the bar. Mitchell Police arrested Somerville on Thursday.

The incident occurred prior to an aggravated assault of the same victim on the same night, which police reported last week.

The victim left the bar after the incident with Somerville and was allegedly assaulted by William Watkins, 34, Mitchell, who was has been arrested.

Witnesses said Watkins punched the victim in the back of the head and kicked the victim in the head area.

The victim was transported to a Sioux Falls hospital, where it was determined he has lifethreatening brain injuries. The victim may not recover, according to a release from the Mitchell Police Division. The police refused to identify the victim.

Mitchell Police are still seeking to interview witnesses or people who have knowledge of the incident.

The police can be reached by calling 995-8400.

Tags: bar fight, news, crime, assault, local, mitchell, thirstys