HOT SPRINGS, Ark. (KATV) — Hot Springs police have made an arrest following a violent fight outside a gas station that left a 20-year-old man seriously injured over the weekend.
The incident happened just before midnight Saturday at a Circle K on Malvern Avenue, where officers responded to reports of a large fight in the parking lot, police said.
When officers arrived, they found Noah Epperson, 20, suffering from multiple injuries. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment. His current condition has not been released.
Police later identified 18-year-old Cooper Camferdam of Benton as a suspect in the assault. Investigators obtained a warrant Monday charging Camferdam with first-degree battery, a Class Y felony. Camferdam was arrested with assistance from Benton police and booked into the Garland County Detention Center.
Authorities said the investigation gained momentum after tips from the public, including law enforcement officers outside the Hot Springs area who began receiving messages and videos connected to the fight.
Traskwood Police Chief Kevin Cooper said he was contacted by a concerned citizen who believed someone may have been seriously hurt or killed during the incident. Cooper said he then relayed the information to Hot Springs police.
According to Cooper, videos circulating online appear to show multiple people involved in the assault. He said the footage shows Camferdam swinging at the victim with a belt before another suspect joined in and struck the victim from behind.
Cooper also addressed the role of bystanders who recorded the incident instead of intervening, saying many people are focused on gaining attention on social media.
Hot Springs police said it is possible that individuals who stood by and recorded the fight could face charges for failing to render aid, though no additional charges have been announced.
A friend of Epperson has also created a GoFundMe account to help support him and his parents as he recovers. The organizer said the fundraiser is intended to help “alleviate their financial stress in these trying times” and asked for prayers for his recovery. A link to the fundraiser can be found here.
Police said the investigation remains active and more arrests are expected. Anyone with information is asked to contact Hot Springs police at (501) 321-6789, extension 6767.
