Topic overview
In brief
- Eryn Bonner was filmed attempting to intervene during a police arrest on July 19, 2023.
- She faces misdemeanor charges after the incident, which included assault and resisting arrest.
- The case has raised questions about police conduct and the use of force in public disturbances.
Summary
In Tempe, Arizona, on July 19, 2023, Eryn Bonner, a 21-year-old cheerleader at Arizona State University, became involved in a chaotic confrontation with police officers during an arrest. The incident escalated when Bonner attempted to intervene on behalf of her friends who were being arrested. Video footage captured her screaming at the officers and trying to pull one of them away from a second man being arrested. Despite the officers' repeated orders for her to step back, she continued to engage, leading to a physical altercation. One officer pushed Bonner to the ground and struck her in the face, which sparked significant backlash on social media, with many accusing the police of using excessive force. Bonner's family expressed their outrage over the incident, further fueling public discourse on police conduct.
Following the incident, the Tempe Police Department initially considered felony charges against Bonner. However, after reviewing the evidence, the county attorney's office decided not to pursue these charges, citing a lack of reasonable likelihood of conviction. Instead, Bonner was charged with several misdemeanors, including assault, resisting arrest, disorderly conduct, and obstruction. The decision to drop the felony charges was met with approval from Bonner's attorney, who stated that it was the right choice given the circumstances.