A video that’s making the rounds online shows an Arizona college cheerleader being forcefully slammed to the ground by police officers after she allegedly got involved in an arrest. This incident took place in Tempe and has raised quite a bit of concern.
Eryn Bonner, a senior at Arizona State University, faces two misdemeanor charges following her encounter with the police last week. Footage from the event captured her being left with bruises, according to the local police and reports.
Bonner, part of the ASU Stunt team, was seen approaching the officers early on July 19 while they were arresting another person, despite earlier instructions to stay back.
She could be heard shouting, “Let him go, let him go,” right before the physical confrontation began.
In the footage, you can see a police officer push Bonner to the ground.
Police claims suggest that Bonner struck an officer several times. The video, which also includes body camera footage, shows her being thrown onto a bicycle and restrained, with what appears to be punches thrown her way before another officer arrested her.
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office decided not to pursue felony charges against her, stating that the police wouldn’t be resubmitting any felony charges either.
Currently, she faces two charges: one for disorderly conduct and another for interfering with police duties, as confirmed by a spokesperson from the Tempe Police Department.
Following the incident, her family released a poignant statement, expressing their distress over seeing their daughter treated violently by the very people meant to protect them.
“There are no words to fully describe the heartbreak of watching our daughter being hurt by someone entrusted to protect and serve our community,” the family remarked.
They further added that it was painful to witness her suffering and noted the importance of expecting high standards from law enforcement to maintain public trust.
Attorney Benjamin Taylor, representing Bonner’s family, has called for the dismissal of the involved officer, alleging inappropriate behavior during the incident.
He described the officer’s actions as excessively violent, stating, “There was no need for double pushes, jumping on top, and multiple strikes.” Taylor also referred to a troubling moment in the video where it seemed the officer made unwarranted contact with Bonner.
In contrast, former police officer Josh Logan suggested that if Bonner did indeed assault the officer, then the force used may have been permissible under policy. However, he expressed concerns about the situation as a whole, mentioning the potential dangers involved with the bicycle during the chaotic arrest.
The Tempe Police Department has announced that they are conducting an internal review of the incident.
They reiterated their commitment to addressing any allegations of officer misconduct seriously, stating that the relevant footage and evidence will be thoroughly examined as part of the review process.
