Colorado Man Arrested in Cooper County For Attempted Murder and Assault

A Brighton, Colorado man was arrested in Cooper County Thursday morning. Eric Townsend faces charges of attempted second degree murder, first degree assault, armed criminal action, first degree kidnapping, first degree tampering with a motor vehicle and leaving the scene of a motor vehicle accident. The Missouri State Highway Patrol responded to what they believed to be a non-injury motor vehicle accident involving two vehicles. When the primary officer arrived, it was determined that the female victim’s injuries were not consistent with a motor vehicle crash but were the result of an assault. The officer quickly relayed for medical care for the female victim. Law enforcement established Townsend had stolen the victim’s vehicle after the assault and proceeded westbound on Interstate 70 where he was later apprehended. Townsend was unknown to the female victim. Townsend is being held at the Cooper County Detention Center on a no bond warrant. The victim is receiving treatment and is recovering at a nearby hospital.