SOMERVILLE — On Friday, July 12, 2024, at approximately 9:37 p.m., Officer Keighla McAloney of the Somerville Police Department was dispatched to 90 Summer Street, Apt. 1, following a report of an assault.
Officer Cassandra Campers responded as back up.
(The account and quotations in this article were sourced from a summary of the incident written by Officer McAloney in the Somerville Police Department’s weekly arrest log and do not reflect any political or personal opinion of News Link Live, which is strictly a business entity.)
When the officers arrived, they encountered the victim who reported that while cleaning his apartment, he entered the kitchen and found his downstairs neighbor, Dejan Skodric, standing there.
According to police, Dejan Skodric, 35, is a resident of the basement apartment of 90 Summer Street.
Skodric then began yelling and swearing at the victim, telling him that he “doesn’t know who he is” and that he needed to respect him. Skodric then got behind the victim and put him in a choke hold with his forearm.
“[The victim] was able to free himself by dropping to the ground, however, Skodric then put him in another choke hold. [He] stated ‘I could not breathe for five to 10 seconds, he tried to kill me,’” Officer McAloney said. “At some point, Skodric kicked [the victim] in the butt, punched him in the head, pulled his hair, and then wrapped his palm around his neck, stating, ‘I will be back tomorrow to do the same thing.’”
The victim told Officer McAloney that his door was shut and that Skodric had no business being in his apartment. Skodric, who lives in the basement, has a separate entrance than the victim, who lives in the first-floor apartment.
“When asked why Skodric would do this, [the victim] stated he does not know,” Officer McAloney said. “He does not talk to him but he believes he had been drinking tonight due to smelling alcohol on his breath. He also stated that about three years ago he worked for Skodric therefore, he might have some animosity towards him about finding a new job.”
When asked, the victim declined medical attention, Officer McAloney said.
When the officer went to the basement apartment to speak with Skodric, he opened the door while sitting on his bed, which was about a foot from the entrance. He was only wearing boxers.
“Officers attempted to have Skodric put pants on however, he wanted the door shut while he did so,” Officer McAloney said. “Due to officer safety, we explained that we were going to keep the door open.”
Officer McAloney stated that she and Officer Cassandra Campers repeatedly instructed Skodric to put on clothes and come speak with them, but he refused and simply laughed.
“Skodric finally stated that he did not do anything,” Officer McAloney said. “I explained to Skodric the allegations made by [the victim]. Skodric stated that he never saw him today. At one point, I explained to Skodric that I was going to place him under arrest. Skodric still remained by his bed side, stating we needed a warrant. At this time, I placed Skodric in custody. During my interaction with Skodric I smelt an odor of an alcoholic beverage emanating from his breath. A half full, glass bottle of Bud Light Lime was also on the table located at the entrance of Skodric’s apartment.”
Skodric was charged with:
- Assault & Battery
- Strangulation or Suffocation
- Breaking and Entering Nighttime for Felony
- Threat to Commit Crime
Skodric was transported to Somerville Police Headquarters for booking.
