"Soul Collector" Timothy Peterson Charged with Attempted Murder for Bizarre Atttack, Say Minn. Cops

By: Caroline Black
Topics: Daily Blotter

"Soul Collector" Timothy Peterson Charged With Murder for Attempting to Cut Off Neighbor's Toes

Timothy Eugene Peterson (Otter Tail County Jail)

FERGUS FALLS, Minn. (CBS/AP) A Minnesota man who referred to himself as a "soul collector" and "medicine man" - and who allegedly tried to cut off his neighbor's toes and scalp - has been charged with attempted murder.

Timothy Eugene Peterson, 42, of Fergus Falls, was also charged with two counts of second degree assault in the bizarre incident.

According to the police complaint, Ivan "Skip" Mallas was working in his garage early Sunday morning when Peterson approached him with a knife and began chanting that he was a "soul collector" and a "medicine man."

Mallas told investigators that first Peterson went after his toes, then tried to slit his throat, scalp him and stab him in the chest, while telling Mallas that he needed to "collect his soul." He told police that Peterson may have been delusional and had possibly been drinking.

When Fergus Falls police officers responded to a call from Mallas' home, they say they found the victim bleeding with multiple wounds to his right cheek, both hands, and his left foot, reports The Daily Journal.

Officers reportedly followed a trail of blood that lead directly to Peterson's home and found the assailant clad in blood stained clothing and in possession of a bloody knife.

Peterson told police that he and Mallas were "just wrestling," says The Daily Star.

According to The Daily Journal, Peterson is being held on bond of up to $500,000.

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