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Nashville hammer-assault suspect arrested in Arkansas; victim’s family recounts warning signs
Ross Peterson was arrested in Arkansas after a woman was allegedly attacked with a hammer at her Crieve Hall home. The victim’s brother-in-law says Peterson had made threats earlier that morning and that he contacted police before the attack.
A suspect accused of attacking a Nashville woman with a hammer was arrested in Arkansas after three days on the run, authorities said. He is expected to be brought back to Nashville to face an aggravated-assault charge.
The woman was hospitalized and recovering from surgery, according to her family. The attack happened at a home in the Crieve Hall neighborhood, where the victim lived with relatives.
Jaden Mills, the victim’s brother-in-law, said Peterson had briefly dated the woman before she ended the relationship. Mills said Peterson came to the home early Saturday, made threats and behaved erratically. Mills then contacted police to seek an order of protection, he said, and went to bed.
Later that morning, Mills said, Peterson returned and began damaging the woman’s truck. When she told him to leave, a home security camera recorded him threatening her, according to the family. Mills said he believes Peterson choked her before striking her with a hammer.
Mills said the victim’s screams alerted the household. She was taken to the hospital with severe injuries and underwent surgery.
Peterson has posted on social media that the allegations are false. He is charged with aggravated assault, and prosecutors may consider upgrading the charge to attempted murder, according to the report. The charge is an allegation; Peterson will have the opportunity to contest it in court.
The victim’s family has started an online fundraiser to help with medical expenses.