A Casper man faces a felony charge of driving under the influence and aggravated assault, also a felony, for dragging a man under his SUV for 1.1 miles through downtown Casper early Sunday morning, Casper Police Sgt. Richie Randel said Sunday.

The unidentified victim, who is in his late 30s and also from Casper, is in very critical condition at the Wyoming Medical Center, Randel said.

A group of people left the Sandbar Lounge, 100 N. Ash St., about 2 a.m. and entered the driver's GMC Yukon, Randel said.

The unidentified driver struck a pedestrian in the alley immediately north of the Sandbar, and the three or four passengers told the driver to stop, he said.

Over the objections of the passengers, the driver denied he hit anyone, Randel said.

He then drove south on South Ash Street, turned west on 12th Street and then turned north on Oak Street and stopped at a residence in the 1100 block, when the victim fell from where he was pinned under rear of the Yukon.

The dragging ripped the victim's skin on his left side from his shoulder to his hip, Randel said.

The victim also suffered a ruptured diaphragm and his chest cavity was opened, exposing his internal organs, he said.

Randel heard the victim's condition is stabilizing, but that could change considering the severity of his injuries, he said.

Likewise, the charges against the suspect could change if the victim dies, Randel said.

The suspect, who is in custody in the Natrona County Detention Center, may make an initial appearance at Natrona County Circuit Court today, he said.

Alcohol use is a factor in the incident, and the case remains under investigation, Randel said.

Reach Tom Morton at (307) 266-0592, or at Tom.Morton@trib.com.