Noah Epperson Recovering at Home After Circle K Assault; Suspect Charged
NOAH EPPERSON, 20, is recovering at home after surviving a violent assault at a Circle K gas station in Hot Springs that left him unconscious and hospitalized. The incident occurred on January 17 and stemmed from an earlier confrontation at a party before escalating when multiple groups gathered at the store on Malvern Avenue around 11:30 p.m.
When Hot Springs police arrived at the scene, they found Epperson unresponsive. Video evidence later showed 18-year-old Cooper Riley Camferdam of Benton stomping on Epperson’s head, resulting in serious injuries that included a fractured skull, a broken jaw, scratches to the head, bruising, and possible swelling of the brain.
Epperson’s mother, Katie, said she rushed to the hospital after being notified by a friend. She confirmed that her son was recently released from intensive care but will need a follow-up CT scan to monitor internal injuries. The family does not have health insurance and is facing significant medical expenses. Katie stated that those responsible for the attack must be held accountable and should cover the associated costs.
Camferdam was arrested and charged with first-degree battery, a Class Y felony that carries a potential sentence of 10 to 40 years or life in prison. He appeared in court on January 21, where a judge set his bond at $500,000. Authorities said the investigation is ongoing as they work to identify additional individuals involved in the assault, as well as bystanders who recorded the incident instead of intervening, noting that further arrests are possible.
A GoFundMe campaign created to support Epperson’s recovery has raised more than $11,000, reflecting widespread community concern and support. Hot Springs police thanked the public for tips and encouraged anyone with information to contact investigators at 501-321-6789, extension 6767.
The incident has shaken the community as Epperson and his family focus on his recovery while seeking justice for the attack.
