Arizona Cheerleader Claims Cop Groped Her During Arrest, Union Disputes Allegations

An Arizona State University cheerleader claims an officer "groped" her after she was tackled and punched during an arrest in July, an incident captured on video that has since gone viral. However, a police union representative suggests the cheerleader may be seeking financial gain from the encounter.

Eryn Bonner, a 21-year-old senior and cheerleader, faces two misdemeanor charges — disorderly conduct and hindering or interfering with police — in Tempe. Her attorney argues that the charges, filed two months after the incident, are an attempt by law enforcement to shield themselves from potential civil liability.

"They're trying to protect themselves from civil liability by bringing charges two months later," Bonner's attorney, Benjamin Taylor, told The Post. He alleges that video evidence shows an officer placing "his pelvis on top of her butt" and groping her posterior. Taylor indicated that a lawsuit is being considered if Bonner cannot achieve justice.

Conversely, a Tempe police sergeant and president of the Tempe Officers Association, Rob Ferraro, asserts that Bonner initiated the physical contact. He claims Bonner struck the officer multiple times in the face before he retaliated and that the initial intention was to pursue felony aggravated assault charges. Ferraro, who was not involved in the incident, stated, "She punches him five times in the face. He strikes her one time, trying to de-escalate a chaotic scene in the middle of a roadway."

Ferraro also expressed skepticism about Bonner's claims, suggesting that individuals sometimes try to "capitalize on something, or use it as a payday, or not accept responsibility."

Both parties have pointed to various video angles of the incident, which occurred as police responded to a brawl in Tempe's bar district. One widely shared video appears to show an officer shoving Bonner to the ground and striking her as she resists. However, other footage, including security camera and body-worn camera perspectives, offers a different narrative. A security camera view seems to show Bonner striking the officer multiple times before he responds, while a body camera angle has led to Bonner's "groping" allegation.

The Tempe Police Department issued a statement acknowledging that while the footage raises concerns, it lacks the full context of the events leading up to the use of force. Ferraro defended the officers' actions, stating that detaining everyone involved and placing them in handcuffs is a standard procedure for de-escalation in chaotic situations.

Taylor, Bonner's attorney, countered that the officer should have attempted verbal de-escalation rather than immediately resorting to physical force, especially given the size difference between the officer and Bonner. He described Bonner's actions as "flailing" rather than punching.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office declined to pursue felony assault charges against Bonner. Taylor views this decision as an indicator of Bonner's innocence and claims the subsequent misdemeanor charges filed in city court are a "political prosecution" aimed at concealing excessive force by officers.

However, the Tempe Police Department clarified that misdemeanor charges were initially filed in July, dismissed only to allow for felony charges, and were intended to be refiled. A spokesperson stated that the decision to file charges was not influenced by allegations of groping.