Viral video shows man stomped during chaotic gas station brawl as teen is arrested

An Arkansas teenager has been charged with felony battery after a brutal attack left a man hospitalized with serious injuries.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:07pm

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A fight broke out between two groups at a party in Hot Springs, Arkansas, and later continued at a nearby Circle K gas station. Viral video shows 20-year-old Noah Epperson being punched and having his head stomped on by multiple alleged assailants, leaving him unconscious with a brain bleed, skull fracture, and jaw fracture. 18-year-old Cooper Camferdam turned himself in to police and was charged with felony first-degree battery, with a $500,000 bond. Police say they expect to make more arrests as they identify additional persons of interest using the video footage.

Why it matters

This incident highlights the growing problem of violent altercations and assaults captured on video in public places. The severity of Epperson's injuries and the fact that the attack was allegedly unprovoked raise concerns about public safety and the need for better conflict resolution and de-escalation measures. The case also underscores the financial burden on victims of such crimes, as Epperson's mother is seeking help to cover his substantial medical bills.

The details

According to the police report, the initial fight broke out at a party earlier in the night, and the two groups later encountered each other at the Circle K gas station. Viral video shows Epperson being punched in the face by multiple people and then having his head stomped on, leaving him unconscious. Epperson was transported to the hospital in intensive care with a brain bleed, skull fracture, and jaw fracture. Two days after the incident, 18-year-old Cooper Camferdam turned himself in to police and was charged with felony first-degree battery, with a $500,000 bond. Police say they have used the video to identify additional persons of interest and expect to make more arrests.

  • The initial fight broke out at a party earlier that night.
  • The incident at the Circle K gas station occurred around 11:30 p.m. on Saturday, January 17, 2026.
  • Two days after the alleged attack, on January 19, 2026, 18-year-old Cooper Camferdam turned himself in to police.

The players

Noah Epperson

A 20-year-old man who was seriously injured in the gas station brawl, suffering a brain bleed, skull fracture, and jaw fracture.

Cooper Camferdam

An 18-year-old who turned himself in to police and was charged with felony first-degree battery for allegedly stomping on Epperson's head.

Katie Epperson

Noah Epperson's mother, who is seeking help to cover his substantial medical bills.

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What they’re saying

“He has suffered a fracture to the skull, fracture to the jaw, and he has hearing loss on his left ear. The front of his face, there isn't anything. But both sides, big, purple ears and bruises.”

— Katie Epperson, Noah Epperson's mother

“We'll kind of go from there to see if there will be any long-term effects. We just really don't know right now.”

— Katie Epperson, Noah Epperson's mother

“We're looking into options to get these medical bills covered. But I really feel strongly that the suspect should pay the medical bills.”

— Katie Epperson, Noah Epperson's mother

“I don't want anyone else to get hurt. Let the law enforcement do their job, and justice will be served.”

— Katie Epperson, Noah Epperson's mother

What’s next

Police say they have used the video to identify additional persons of interest and expect to make more arrests in connection with the incident.

The takeaway

This brutal attack captured on video highlights the need for better conflict resolution and de-escalation measures to prevent such violent altercations in public spaces. It also underscores the financial burden on victims of such crimes and the importance of ensuring access to adequate medical care and support.