Taylorsville man surrenders in near-fatal car assault on stepdad

A Taylorsville man suspected in a vehicular assault that left his stepfather in critical condition has turned himself into police.

Unified Police Lt. Justin Hoyal confirmed Friday that Mark Melvin Peterson, 33, had returned to the residence at 4734 S. 2700 West where the incident occurred and called police, who came to take him into custody about 3:30 p.m. Thursday.

Peterson was booked into Salt Lake County Jail on suspicion of second-degree felony aggravated assault, third-degree felony leaving the scene of an accident involving injury, and class B misdemeanor domestic assault. He remained behind bars Friday in lieu of $925 bail.

The 51-year-old victim, meanwhile, remained in critical condition but was improving, Hoyal said, noting doctors has reported his vital signs were stable. However, the man's legs may yet have to be amputated, according to a probable cause statement.

Hoyal said the incident occurred when an argument between Peterson and the victim moved from inside the home out into the front yard, where it became physical.

Peterson allegedly got into his 2002 silver Chevrolet Malibu to leave but the victim then stood in front of the vehicle, apparently to jot down his stepson's license plate number to give to police. That was when the Malibu purportedly lurched forward, pinning the victim against a parked Ford Ranger.

Peterson then backed out and sped from the scene, police said.

remims@sltrib.com

Twitter: @remims