Full Breakdown
Arizona State University Cheerleader’s Arrest Sparks Dispute Over Police Use of Force and New Charges
By Drooid · · How we work
Incident Overview
On July 19, 2026 on Tempe’s Mill Avenue, 21-year-old Eryn Bonner, an ASU senior and stunt-team member, confronted officers arresting her boyfriend and another man. Police video shows an officer shoving Bonner, pinning her to a bicycle, and delivering a loud smack that appears to be a punch to her face. She sustained bruising under both eyes and later alleged the same officer placed his hand on her buttocks after she was on the ground. The city charged her with two misdemeanors: disorderly conduct and interfering/hindering police.
Legal and Procedural Developments
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined to pursue felony charges. Two months later the City of Tempe filed the misdemeanor counts; a pre-trial conference is set for Nov. 4, 2026. Attorney Benjamin Taylor argues the timing indicates retaliation, calling the charges “political prosecution.” City officials say the charges resulted from a “careful review of the evidence.”
Official Statements & Responses
- In a joint statement dated Aug. ... the department confirmed that Sgt. …
*(Statement truncated for brevity; original details omitted.)*
Criticism & Opposition
Taylor, representing Bonner, has called the charges “vindictive” and urged an independent investigation, citing Sgt. Ameiss’s 2020 suspension for a separate use-of-force incident.
On-the-Ground Accounts
Police-released video shows officers ordering Bonner to “back up.” A loud smack is heard as an officer appears to punch her. Bonner yells, “You see my f---ing face?” while officers restrain her. Photographs supplied by her attorney display bruises beneath both eyes.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
- Police claim Bonner punched the officer; security-camera footage from a nearby business appears to show her swinging at the officer’s face.
- Bonner’s side asserts the officer initiated force, punched her, and groped her buttocks—a detail visible in body-camera footage.
No third-party investigation has been completed, leaving the full context unresolved.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Why are they so vigilant in trying to charge a woman who is 21 years old and an ASU student?” — Benjamin Taylor
- “There was no need for the officers to start tackling and throwing people down and start arresting people,” — Benjamin Taylor
- “The city of Tempe would be very vindictive to try to charge her again after they see what this officer did,” — Benjamin Taylor
- “At the end you see his hand go on her buttocks which is very odd in this situation.” — Josh Logan
What’s Next
The internal-affairs review continues under Sgt. Ameiss. Taylor has formally requested that the investigation be transferred to an external agency. The misdemeanor case will be addressed at the Nov. 4, 2026 hearing, after which further legal or policy actions may follow.