Man Arrested for Domestic Assault and Child Abuse

GRAND JUNCTION, CO — A 34-year-old man was arrested Sunday night on multiple felony and misdemeanor charges, including strangulation and child abuse, following a domestic dispute that turned violent.

On Sunday, August 2, at approximately 9:45 p.m., Grand Junction Police Department officers responded to a reported assault in progress in the 500 block of Independent Avenue.

Investigators determined that an intoxicated man had been engaged in a verbal dispute with a female. The altercation escalated when the suspect allegedly assaulted and strangled the woman in the presence of several juveniles. When another individual attempted to intervene in the assault, they were also attacked by the suspect.

The suspect, identified as Ryder Erickson, 34, was arrested and transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility. He was booked on the following charges:

Assault in the Second Degree with Intent to Cause Serious Bodily Injury by Strangulation

Habitual Domestic Violence Offender After Three Previous Convictions

Child Abuse – Injury/Acts with Criminal Negligence

Child Abuse – No Death or Injury/Acts with Criminal Negligence & Prior Conviction (3 Counts)

Assault in the Third Degree (3 Counts)

Obstructing a Peace Officer

Domestic Violence

The incident remains under active investigation, and authorities encourage community members to continue reporting any criminal activity.