Eryn Bonner, a 21-year-old cheerleader at Arizona State University (ASU), is currently facing two misdemeanor charges following her arrest on 19 July in Tempe. Her legal representative, Benjamin Taylor, contends that the situation escalated to a point where excessive force was employed by the police during the arrest.
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Bonner’s attorney claims that video footage from the incident portrays the alleged excessive force used against her. The footage reportedly captures an officer both pushing and striking Bonner in the face, which has raised significant concerns regarding police conduct during the event. Bonner is charged with disorderly conduct and hindering police, stemming from allegations that she interfered with an arrest.
According to the police account, Bonner was involved in a confrontation as officers attempted to separate individuals engaged in a disturbance. The police report suggests she tried to interfere and subsequently fell backward after being pushed by an officer. Reports indicate that Bonner allegedly struck the officer’s face multiple times, prompting a response from the officer to physically intervene.
In contrast, Taylor’s narrative provides a different perspective. He asserts that the incident began when Bonner’s boyfriend was approached by police, and she felt compelled to intervene, believing her boyfriend had done nothing wrong. He describes the intervention by officers as aggressive, detailing how one officer not only pushed Bonner but also struck her and made inappropriate physical contact during the altercation.
Taylor described the circumstances surrounding Bonner’s treatment, stating that she suffered visible injuries, including black eyes, as a result of the officer’s actions. He stresses that she was merely trying to support her boyfriend and was not engaging in any wrongdoing.
The legal proceedings surrounding this case have seen a series of developments. Initially, Bonner faced potential felony charges; however, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office determined that pursuing such charges was inappropriate based on the evidence presented. The original misdemeanor case was dismissed, but a new set of misdemeanor charges was subsequently filed by Tempe authorities.
Taylor suggests that the timing of these new charges may be linked to the allegations raised about the officer’s conduct during Bonner’s arrest. He argues that the charges appear to be retaliatory and aim to obstruct Bonner from pursuing further legal action regarding the alleged misconduct. According to him, the decision to file these charges came after they reported the inappropriate behaviour experienced by Bonner.
Bonner remains adamant about her innocence and has entered a plea of not guilty. A pretrial conference is scheduled for 4 November at the Tempe City Court, where further legal proceedings will unfold. Amidst the tumultuous events, her attorney noted a wave of community support, highlighting the mobilization of individuals who attended a local city council meeting to express their backing for Bonner.
Members of the community have voiced their concerns regarding the treatment of Bonner, asserting that the force used by the police was unjustified. Taylor commented on the significant impact the incident has had on Bonner and her family, stating that they feel distraught over the events that transpired. Furthermore, he cautioned prospective students and their families about the police environment at ASU, underscoring a perceived culture of excessive force within the Tempe Police Department.
The response from the Tempe Police Department remains pending, as inquiries regarding the incident have not yet received an official reply. The case continues to draw public attention, particularly concerning the accountability of law enforcement officers and the treatment of individuals during police interactions. The upcoming court dates will be crucial in determining the next steps and any potential repercussions for Bonner and the authorities involved in her arrest.