Mesa County, CO Arrest: Man Accused of Assault, Child Abuse

Grand Junction, CO – A 50-year-old Grand Junction man faces multiple charges after deputies say he allegedly assaulted another person during a child custody exchange Thursday evening, with a child present during the incident.

According to the Mesa County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 6:40 p.m. Thursday to an assault reported near Broadway and East Alcove Drive in Grand Junction.

Investigators identified the suspect as Eric Foote. Deputies allege Foote assaulted an individual while the two were exchanging custody of a child.

The sheriff’s office said the child was present and was allegedly subjected to physical contact during the incident. No injury to the child was reported in the charges announced by authorities.

Deputies later contacted Foote at a nearby residence, where authorities said he appeared to be highly intoxicated.

Investigators also allegedly found evidence that the victim’s phone had been damaged during the altercation.

Foote was arrested and taken to the Mesa County Detention Facility. The sheriff’s office said he faces one count of third-degree assault, four domestic violence counts, child abuse involving no injury, first-degree criminal tampering and criminal mischief involving less than $300.

Authorities did not release additional details about the alleged victim or child.

The sheriff’s office also directed people experiencing domestic violence to call 911 during an emergency or seek information and support through the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

The charges against Foote are allegations. He is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.