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Tempe Police Launch Internal Review of Arrest Video

By Drooid · Oct 8, 2026, 5:46 AM UTC · How we work

Summary

Tempe Police Review

Tempe Police Department announced an internal administrative review of the July 19 arrest video.
Tempe Officers Association said the officer acted appropriately after Bonner repeatedly ignored commands.
Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined felony charges, limiting the case to misdemeanors.
Police said video and evidence will be released for public review after the internal review concludes.

Summary

Police Assault Cheerleader

Police officers shoved, punched, and allegedly groped ASU senior cheerleader Eryn Bonner during a July 19 arrest.
Civil-rights attorneys Ben Crump and Lee Merritt called the force excessive and demanded restraint.
Tempe prosecutors charged Bonner with misdemeanor disorderly-conduct and police-interference two months later.
Attorney Benjamin Taylor said the charges retaliated against Bonner’s sexual-assault complaint.
Bonner will plead not guilty at a municipal-court hearing on Nov. 4, 2026.

History

Historical Context

The 1991 Los Angeles Police Department’s Rodney King beating, captured on video, sparked nationwide outrage, a federal trial, and reforms. The Department of Justice’s subsequent investigation recorded 1,200 complaints of excessive force and ultimately led to a $3.8 billion settlement. Similarly, Tempe Police Department’s July 19 arrest of ASU cheerleader Eryn Bonner revived public calls for independent reviews, echoing the 1991 demand for accountability. That historic precedent suggests Tempe’s internal review could trigger Arizona state-level reforms, renewed civil-rights lawsuits, and possible federal oversight.

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Tempe Police Review

Tempe Police Department announced an internal administrative review of the July 19 arrest video.
Tempe Officers Association said the officer acted appropriately after Bonner repeatedly ignored commands.
Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined felony charges, limiting the case to misdemeanors.
Police said video and evidence will be released for public review after the internal review concludes.

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