Arizona Cheerleader Charged After Viral Arrest Footage Shows Officer Punching Her
Eryn Bonner faces misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and interfering with police following a confrontation outside a Tempe nightclub.
An Arizona college cheerleader has been criminally charged after video footage showed her being struck by a police officer while allegedly attempting to intervene in an arrest. Eryn Bonner, 21, faces misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and hindering/interfering with police, according to Tempe Municipal Court records.
Confrontation Details
The incident occurred on July 19 outside the CASA nightclub in Tempe. Video captured two police officers arresting one of Bonner's friends. As another friend attempted to intervene, officers reportedly pushed both men to the ground. Bonner then allegedly grabbed one of the officers and tried to pull him away from the second man. Officers ordered Bonner to step back, but she reportedly did not comply. Footage shows one officer then pushing Bonner to the ground, throwing her over a bike, and striking her in the face.
Witnesses were heard pleading with the officers to stop during the struggle as Bonner's friends were handcuffed and arrested.
Bonner, a member of the Arizona State University stunt team, was initially charged with two felony counts of aggravated assault on a first responder and resisting arrest. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office later dropped these charges.
New Charges and Legal Arguments
The City of Tempe Prosecutor's Office filed the misdemeanor charges against Bonner on September 23. The footage of Bonner being struck by an officer sparked backlash on social media, with her family accusing law enforcement of excessive force.
Bonner's attorney, Benjamin Taylor, told ABC15 that he believed the city would be "vindictive" to charge her again. Taylor has also claimed that officers groped Bonner during the arrest. The Tempe Officers' Association has called Taylor's groping allegation "inflammatory" and accused Bonner of avoiding accountability.
However, Tempe Police stated in court documents that Bonner initiated the physical contact, alleging she struck an officer approximately five times before being struck herself.
Ongoing Review and Upcoming Hearing
A spokesperson for the Tempe Police Department confirmed that an internal review of the incident is still underway. The men Bonner was allegedly attempting to assist have been identified as Isaiah Johnson, 21, and Jonathan Nwariaku, 21. Nwariaku faces charges of assault and disorderly conduct, while Johnson is charged with disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
Bonner is scheduled for a pretrial hearing on November 4.
