Tree-service employee accused of trying to force co-worker into wood chipper

KEIZER, Ore. -- Authorities say an employee of an Oregon tree-service company was charged with assault and attempted murder after a co-worker said the man tried to force him into a wood chipper, head first.

The Keizer Police Department says 26-year-old Scott Iverson of Stayton was arrested Friday and booked into jail. Court records don't list an attorney to speak on his behalf.

Deputy Chief Jeffrey Kuhns says a 22-year-old man told police Thursday he was loading brush into the running wood chipper when Iverson "snuck up" from behind him. He says Iverson put him in a choke hold and twice tried to send him headfirst into the machine.

Kuhns says another employee saw what was happening and pulled Iverson away. Iverson then left the scene.

About a day later, Iverson was found at a restaurant in Stayton and was arrested without incident, reports CBS affiliate KOIN.

The victim told investigators he had no issues with Iverson and doesn't know why he was attacked.