Arizona State University cheerleader faces charges after viral police arrest video

Eryn Bonner, a 21-year-old senior on the Arizona State University stunt team, faces two misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and hindering or interfering with police following an incident in Tempe on July 19.

Viral video and bodycam footage show officers shoving Bonner to the ground and striking her during an early-morning arrest of another individual. The footage depicts an officer tossing her onto a bicycle and restraining her. While Tempe police allege Bonner punched an officer multiple times, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has declined to pursue felony charges against her.

The Bonner family released a statement expressing heartbreak over their daughter being hurt by those entrusted to protect the community. Her attorney, Benjamin Taylor, has called for the involved officer to be fired, describing the force used as “very extreme, very excessive” and noting concerns regarding the officer’s conduct during the arrest.