Viral Video Shows Tempe Arrest Clash — ASU Cheerleader Faces Misdemeanor Charges; Calls Grow For Independent Review

Eryn Bonner, a 21-year-old Arizona State University senior and member of the ASU stunt team, has pleaded not guilty after being charged with two misdemeanors following a July 19 confrontation with Tempe police on Mill Avenue. Multiple cellphone clips and official footage of the encounter circulated online, drawing scrutiny of officers' tactics and renewed calls for an independent review.

What Happened

Police say the incident occurred about 1:45 a.m. outside the CASA and Sunbar nightclubs in downtown Tempe, when three bicycle-patrol officers were attempting to arrest two men involved in a fight. Officers allege Bonner stepped in, pulled at one of the men and failed to comply with repeated commands to move back.

Witness cellphone videos shared on social media show Bonner demanding that officers release a detained man and capture parts of a scuffle in which an officer shouts "Back up!" and appears to shove Bonner. According to the police report, a struggle ensued: officers say Bonner struck an officer several times while another officer delivered at least one punch before she was handcuffed.

Footage And Reactions

One cellphone clip of what appears to be an officer striking Bonner was widely shared online and prompted accusations of excessive force. The Tempe Police Department released edited body-worn camera and surveillance footage, saying the cellphone video captured only part of the encounter. Both the footage and the differing accounts have fueled public debate about officer behavior and the handling of the arrest.

Charges And Legal Status

Bonner was initially booked and, according to some reports, briefly faced felony counts including aggravated assault on a first responder and resisting arrest. Maricopa County prosecutors later declined to pursue felonies. Tempe city prosecutors ultimately filed two misdemeanor charges against Bonner — hindering or interfering with police and disorderly conduct — and she has pleaded not guilty. A pretrial conference is scheduled for November 4.

Claims, Denials And Investigations

Bonner's attorney, Benjamin Taylor, says his client suffered bruises and is demanding that the officer who shoved her be fired; he also alleges officers failed to attempt de-escalation and that one officer groped Bonner during the arrest. The Tempe Officers Association denies the groping allegation and says the full video supports the officers' actions.

"We are extremely disappointed by the City's decision to move forward with criminal charges," Benjamin Taylor said, noting that county prosecutors saw no reasonable prospect of conviction and calling for an independent review.

The city says an internal investigation is underway. Taylor has requested that the Tempe mayor and city council order an outside review, and he has criticized aspects of the internal probe, including its supervision.

What Comes Next

Bonner remains free under electronic monitoring and a curfew, and the legal process will determine whether the misdemeanor charges proceed to trial. The case continues to draw attention because of the circulated videos, the differing official accounts, and broader concerns about force and accountability in police encounters.