Plaintiff claims lender attempted to run him over with SUV

An Edwardsville man who claims he was almost run over by an SUV, filed suit against Robert Ellman in Madison County Circuit Court Nov. 13.

Steve Flowers claims that on April 3, Ellman drove to Edwardsville to discuss the return of a vehicle Ellman owned and Flowers possessed. Ellman is the president of Golden Oak Lending.

According to the complaint, Ellman became upset because the two disagreed about the return of the vehicle.

Flowers claims as he began to walk back into his home, Ellman drove a large 2006 Chevrolet Tahoe SUV onto his front yard and attempted to run him over.

"Defendant's vehicle narrowly missed running over plaintiff," the complaint states.

"All four tires of said vehicle went through plaintiff's yard."

Flowers claims police were called to the scene and Ellman told them there was not enough room to turn around and he needed to drive through the yard to leave.

"Ellman's actions were deliberate with intent to harm plaintiff," the complaint states.

Flowers claims Ellman showed an utter indifference and conscious disregard for his safety and claims Ellman should have refrained from the alleged willful and wanton conduct that endangered his safety and property.

According to Flowers, Ellman caused him to suffer serious anxiety and emotional distress and also claims he sustained property damage to his yard.

Represented by Michael Glisson of Alton, Flowers is seeking damages in excess of $100,000, plus punitive damages in excess of $50,000, plus costs of the suit.

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