Cooper Riley Camferdam, 18, of Benton, Arrested Following Violent Attack in Hot Springs

Benton Teen Faces 10 to 40 Years After Viral Parking Lot Assault

Hot Springs police arrested 18-year-old Cooper Riley Camferdam of Benton on first-degree battery charges following a violent brawl in a parking lot at a Circle K gas station that left 20-year-old Noah Epperson seriously injured.

The incident occurred just before midnight on January 17 at the store on Malvern Avenue, where officers responded to reports of a large fight spilling over from a nearby party. Upon arrival, they found Epperson with multiple injuries, including a skull fracture and bleeding on both sides of his brain. He was rushed to a local hospital and remains in intensive care.

Investigators identified Camferdam as the primary suspect after tips from the public and circulating online videos showed him striking Epperson with a belt and participating in the assault. A warrant was issued on Monday, leading to his arrest with assistance from Benton police. Camferdam was booked into the Garland County Detention Center on January 19.

First-degree battery is classified as a Class Y felony in Arkansas, carrying a penalty of 10 to 40 years or life in prison. The videos also show multiple individuals involved, prompting police to warn that bystanders who filmed rather than helped could face charges for failure to render assistance, though no such charges have been announced.

The investigation is ongoing, with authorities expecting further arrests. A GoFundMe has been created by a friend to support Epperson’s recovery and help his family financially.