The incident occurred late Saturday night, January 17, 2026, prompting a police response to reports of a large fight at the Circle K on Malvern Avenue. Officers found a 20-year-old man, later identified as Noah Epperson, suffering from multiple injuries. He was taken to a local hospital for treatment.

Video footage of the incident circulated online, leading some witnesses to describe the attack as far more serious than a simple altercation. Based on the investigation, police identified 18-year-old Cooper Camferdam of Benton, Arkansas, as the primary suspect.

On Monday, January 19, 2026, Hot Springs Police obtained an arrest warrant charging Camferdam with first-degree battery, a Y felony. He was taken into custody with assistance from the Benton Police Department and later booked into the Garland County Detention Center.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and additional persons of interest have been identified, which could result in further arrests. Police have thanked the public for providing information related to the case.