Mesa County, CO Arrest: Man Accused of Assault With Child Present

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

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

Investigators allege Eric Foote assaulted another person while the two were exchanging custody of a child. Authorities said the child was present during the incident and was allegedly subjected to physical contact.

Deputies later contacted Foote at a nearby residence, where authorities said he appeared to be highly intoxicated. Investigators also reported finding evidence that the alleged victim’s phone had been damaged during the altercation.

Foote was taken into custody and transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility.

According to the sheriff’s office, Foote faces one count of third-degree assault, four domestic violence counts, one count of child abuse — knowingly or recklessly with no injury — and one count of first-degree criminal tampering. He also faces a petty offense of criminal mischief involving less than $300.

The allegations have not been proven in court, and Foote is presumed innocent unless proven guilty.

The sheriff’s office said no additional information was immediately available.

Anyone experiencing an immediate domestic violence emergency should call 911. Information and support are also available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at thehotline.org.