Fort Collins, CO – Nearly a year after a harrowing attack in her own home, a Fort Collins woman finally finds solace as police apprehend a suspect, significantly easing her and the local community’s unease. The resident, identified only as Erin for safety reasons, expressed profound relief following the arrest, marking an end to months of fear and uncertainty.
Erin’s ordeal began in May when she encountered an intruder in her apartment at Brookview Apartments. According to her, the masked man assaulted her while demanding she repent her sins, a confrontation that ended with Erin losing consciousness. After regaining awareness, she promptly contacted emergency services, setting off a complex investigation.
Initial police efforts to identify the assailant were stymied by a lack of security footage and a clear description of the perpetrator. However, Erin decided to take her story public in November, sharing it with a local news channel in hopes that new information would surface.
This courageous act led to a breakthrough. An anonymous tip subsequently directed authorities to Ethan Campbell, an 18-year-old resident of the same apartment complex and a student at Fort Collins High School. The informant cited behaviors in Campbell similar to those Erin encountered. Following a detailed investigation, police arrested Campbell at his school after finding incriminating evidence at his home.
“I was overwhelmed,” Erin shared after learning of the arrest. “I just kept saying, ‘Thank you, thank you, thank you.’ I couldn’t believe it was real.”
Despite the trauma, Erin maintained her trust in the capabilities of the Fort Collins Police Services throughout the investigation. “I always kept hope that they were going to find them,” she said. Her faith was rewarded not only with an arrest but with a renewed sense of security that she eagerly shared with her community, revealing her identity publicly for the first time since the attack.
The arrest brought a wave of gratitude from Erin, particularly towards the individual who submitted the crucial tip. “I’m so incredibly grateful. You helped,” she said, her voice filled with emotion.
Fort Collins Police officer Brandon Barnes praised the community and department’s collective effort in bringing the case to a close. “Everybody worked together to bring this case to the resolution that it is today. We really appreciate everyone who shared her story and helped get that further out in the community,” Barnes stated. He emphasized the dedication of the local police force to solving violent crimes and ensuring justice in the community.
Following his arrest, Campbell was charged with attempted murder among other felonies and was held at Larimer County Jail with a bond set at $750,000. Notably, although Campbell was a minor at the time of the attack, the district attorney determined he would be tried as an adult due to the serious nature of the allegations.
Erin’s resilience and determination to engage her community in the search for her attacker underscored a powerful message about the strength of communal support and action. “I wanted the community to get involved. I wanted somebody who knew something to say something, and they did,” she remarked, asserting her refusal to allow the incident to break her spirit.
This case not only illustrates the crucial role of public assistance in solving crimes but also highlights the enduring spirit of a community and its members in the face of adversity.