Mother Of Tuttle Teen Accused Of Running Over Man Speaks Out

A teenager accused of running over a Tuttle man broke down in tears as he heard the charges against him.

As News 9 reported, prosecutors claim Denton McDaniels intentionally ran over a man. On Thursday night, McDaniels' mom says there is more to the story.

In an exclusive interview the victim's wife says she witnessed their family acquaintance, high on drugs, intentionally run over her husband. Prosecutors say the evidence supports her story. Still, McDaniels' family says he is not entirely responsible.

"You know I want my son back. That kid in there today isn't my son," said Pat McDaniels.

Pat defends her son's actions by blaming the incident on the synthetic drug K2.

"Denton shouldn't have hit him. He was so out of his mind, because I think he had smoked that stuff right before this whole deal happened," Pat said.

11/28/2012 Related Story: Tuttle Wife Recalls Night Husband Was Intentionally Run Over By Truck

Denton McDaniels, 19, is accused of intentionally running over his family acquaintance, Patrick Kasarda. Court documents reveal McDaniels hit Kasarda without slowing down. The witness, Tammy Kasarda, said her husband fell to the ground like a "rag doll." At the hospital, she shared more of the details.

"If you didn't see it, you can't imagine the horrific look on his face and the sounds from him," Kasarda said.

Investigators say, following the incident, McDaniel sent a text to the Kasarda's saying, "Look at your front yard. LOL" Still, McDaniels' mom claims her son acted in self-defense, alleging Kasarda had a knife. But Grady County Prosecutor James Walters says that's not the case.

"Even if those facts are true, the information from eyewitness accounts puts the victim's back turned, walking away. So, any self-defense claim at that point would be null," said Walters.

Walters says the synthetic drugs cannot be used as an excuse either.

"Everyone knows it's a dangerous substance. So, if he was voluntarily intoxicated, it doesn't change a thing," said Walters.

It wouldn't change the state's case, but the mom says it could change her son's future.

"He is probably going to go to prison now because of this stuff," said Pat.

A judge set McDaniels' bond at $750,000. He is charged with assault with a deadly weapon and malicious injury to property.