Viral Video Shows Arizona State Cheerleader’s Chaotic Arrest as Police Use of Force Comes Under Review

Eryn Kelise Bonner, an Arizona State University student, is shown in a viral video being shoved to the ground and pummeled by police officers.Facebook / Quinn Gamino

An Arizona State University cheerleader is facing two misdemeanor charges following a confrontation with police that was captured on video, while her family and attorney are challenging the level of force officers used during the arrest.

Eryn Bonner, a senior and member of ASU’s Stunt team, was arrested during an early-morning incident in Tempe on July 19. Video of the encounter later spread online, showing Bonner being pushed to the ground and restrained near a bicycle as officers attempted to take her into custody.

The Tempe Police Department has since confirmed that the incident is undergoing an internal administrative review.

A viral video captured an Arizona college cheerleader being violently slammed to the ground and pummeled on top of a bicycle by cops after she allegedly interfered with an arrest.

Arizona State University senior Eryn Bonner was hit with two misdemeanor charges last week in Tempe after a harrowing video captured cops allegedly leaving her covered in bruises during an arrest in July, according to the Tempe Police Department and ABC15.

Bonner, a member of the ASU Stunt team, was seen in the early morning of July 19, reapproaching officers who were arresting another individual after being told to get back.

“Let him go, let him go,” Bonner could be heard screaming before the altercation unfolded.

The college student was then pushed to the ground by a cop, the clip shows.

Tempe police allege that Bonner punched an officer multiple times, the outlet reported.

The clip, including bodycam footage from the arrest, shows the officer then toss her onto a bicycle and restrain her — appearing to punch her before another officer swoops in to cuff her.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office has declined to pursue felony charges against Bonner, and cops told the outlet that they would not resubmit the felony charges.

According to police, Bonner approached officers while they were arresting another person despite having been instructed to stay back.

Footage shows her returning toward the officers and demanding that they release the individual.

Moments later, the encounter escalated.

Bonner was pushed to the ground before being restrained against a bicycle. Police allege that she punched an officer multiple times during the confrontation.

Video from the incident, including body-camera footage, appears to show an officer striking Bonner while attempting to restrain her before another officer arrives and helps place her in handcuffs.

The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined to pursue felony charges, and police said they would not resubmit the case for felony prosecution.

Bonner instead faces misdemeanor charges of disorderly conduct and hindering or interfering with police.

Family Challenges Officers’ Actions

Bonner alleges the arrest left her covered in bruises.

Bonner’s family says she was left bruised following the arrest and issued a statement expressing their distress over watching the footage.

They said seeing their daughter injured by someone entrusted with protecting the community had been heartbreaking, while stressing that demanding high professional standards from public servants is essential to maintaining public trust.

Attorney Benjamin Taylor, representing the family, has called for the officer involved to be fired.

Taylor described the force used during the arrest as excessive, questioning the pushes, strikes and decision to restrain Bonner against the bicycle.

He also raised concerns about what he described as inappropriate contact by the officer near the end of the footage.

Former Officer Weighs In

Former Chandler police officer Josh Logan offered a different assessment of the confrontation.

He said that if the police allegation that Bonner repeatedly punched an officer is accurate, closed-fist strikes could fall within permitted use-of-force policy when someone reaches the level of active aggression.

However, Logan also questioned aspects of the encounter, particularly the moment Bonner was forced onto the bicycle, noting the potential for injury from its components.

Police Launch Internal Review

The Tempe Police Department said it takes allegations of officer misconduct seriously and confirmed that the arrest remains under administrative review.

Investigators are expected to examine the viral footage, body-camera recordings and other available evidence when assessing the officers’ conduct.

For now, Bonner’s misdemeanor case remains separate from the department’s investigation into how officers handled the arrest.