ASU Student Faces New Charges After Arrest Controversy

An Arizona State University student faces new misdemeanor charges months after a controversial arrest that was initially dismissed. The student's attorney claims the charges are a retaliatory move by the city to conceal alleged excessive force by the arresting officer.

Eryn Bonner is charged with disorderly conduct under state law and interfering with police under city code in Tempe Municipal Court. The charges stem from a July 19 incident where a Tempe Police officer took Bonner to the ground. Video footage of the arrest, showing the moment before the officer struck her, circulated widely.

The Maricopa County Attorney's Office had previously declined to file felony charges, and a misdemeanor case was later dismissed. Bonner's attorney, Benjamin Taylor, called the city's decision to refile charges two months later "very vindictive." He believes the city is targeting his client to shield itself from potential civil liability in a future lawsuit against the arresting officer.

The Tempe Officers Association stated that the charges align with complete video evidence and contradict Bonner's attorney's narrative. "The filing of charges… aligns with what the complete video evidence has shown from the beginning: This incident was far different from the brief clip circulated on social media and her attorney’s repeated misstatements about the facts of the case," the association said.

Police confirmed their internal review of the arrest is ongoing. Taylor has called for an outside investigation, citing concerns that the officer overseeing the internal affairs investigation was previously suspended in a separate use-of-force case. Bonner has pleaded not guilty to the charges.