Domestic Assault Suspect Sought

Arrest warrants charging aggravated assault, harassment, and theft of property have been issued against Ross Peterson, 38, for allegedly attacking a woman with a hammer, causing serious injury. They had a prior dating history.

Officers responded to her residence Saturday at 7:15 a.m. and found her lying in her backyard with extensive injuries to her head and face. Officers had responded to her home a few hours earlier after she reported that Peterson had been sending her multiple threatening text messages and shown up at her doorstep where they argued. Officers assisted her in obtaining an order of protection. They also assisted her in obtaining the harassment warrant which was issued Saturday at 6:15 a.m.

Officers drove the victim home. A short time later, Peterson returned to the residence. The victim heard a knock at the door and when she looked outside, she reported seeing Peterson appear to vandalize her car. She went outside to confront him when the attack occurred. Responding officers recovered a hammer on the ground and collected it as evidence. Peterson is also alleged to have taken the victim's cell phone. The aggravated assault and theft warrants were issued later on Saturday morning. Attempts to locate Peterson have been unsuccessful.

Peterson is currently on probation for a felony meth possession conviction in Williamson County.

Anyone seeing Peterson or knowing his whereabouts is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 615-742-7463 or the Department of Emergency Communications at 615-862-8600.