'Soul Collector' Tries Cutting Off Neighbor’s Toes

FERGUS FALLS, Minn -- A man calling himself a "soul collector" and a "medicine man" is accused of trying to cut off his neighbor's toes and scalp him in Fergus Falls.

Timothy Eugene Peterson, 42, is charged with attempted murder and second-degree assault.

According to the complaint, Ivan "Skip" Mallas was working in his garage early Sunday when Peterson approached him and allegedly began chanting while first trying to cut off some of Mallas' toes.

Mallas says Peterson then tried to slit his throat, scalp him and stab him in the chest while telling Mallas that he needed to "collect his soul."

The Daily Journal reports that after Peterson left, Mallas fled to a neighbor's house. Mallas was treated for wounds to his cheek, both hands and left foot.

Peterson remained in jail Wednesday.