Grand Junction, CO – On August 2, 2026, at approximately 9:45 p.m., officers with the Grand Junction Police Department were dispatched to a report of an assault in progress in the 500 block of Independent Avenue.
Through investigation, officers determined an intoxicated adult male was engaged in a verbal dispute with a female. The dispute escalated when the male physically assaulted and strangled the female in the presence of juveniles. As the assault unfolded, another individual intervened and was also assaulted by the suspect.
The suspect, identified as 34-year-old Ryder Erickson, was arrested and transported to the Mesa County Detention Facility where he was booked on the following charges:
Assault in the Second Degree with Intent to Cause Serious Bodily Injury by Strangulation
Child Abuse No Death or Injury/Acts with Criminal Negligence & Prior Conviction (three counts)
Habitual Domestic Violence Offender After Three Previous Convictions
Child Abuse Injury - Non-Serious Bodily Injury/Acts with Criminal Negligence
Assault in the Third Degree (three counts)
Domestic Violence
Obstructing a Peace Officer
The Grand Junction Police Department believes there is no ongoing danger to the community. This incident remains under investigation, and no further information is available at this time.
The Grand Junction Police Department takes incidents of this nature seriously and encourages community members to report any criminal activity.
Per C.R.S. 24-72-304(4.5)(a), the Grand Junction Police Department is unable to release the exact address of the incident.