TEMPE, Ariz. – Tempe police have released bodycam and surveillance video showing the full sequence of events in a chaotic arrest outside local nightclubs, where a woman allegedly intervened, assaulted an officer, and was struck once in response – footage that officials say provides critical context after a viral clip fueled public backlash.
Early Sunday morning, July 19, around 1:45 a.m., three Tempe bicycle officers were in the process of arresting two men involved in a fight outside the CASA and Sunbar establishments when 21-year-old Eryn Kelise Bonner attempted to insert herself into the situation. According to police, Bonner ignored repeated commands to step back, pushed between the officers, and struck one of them multiple times in the face during the struggle.
The officer responded with a single strike to gain control and subdue the threat, bodycam footage shows. The newly released video, which includes multiple angles, depicts the tense and rapidly evolving scene as officers worked to maintain order amid the disorderly crowd.
A shorter viral video that circulated online focused primarily on the officer's strike, prompting widespread criticism and questions about police tactics. Tempe PD moved quickly to release the complete bodycam and surveillance recordings to counter what they described as an incomplete picture.
Despite the allegations of assault on a police officer and resisting arrest, the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined to prosecute Bonner, citing insufficient evidence for a conviction. An internal investigation into the officer’s use of force remains ongoing, as is standard department policy in such incidents.
The case has reignited debates over civilian interference with law enforcement during active arrests and the challenges officers face when trying to do their jobs in volatile nighttime environments. Supporters of the officer have pointed to the footage as evidence that split-second decisions are necessary to protect both police and the public, while critics continue to question the level of force used.
Tempe authorities have not released the officer's name pending the outcome of the internal review. Police emphasized that the full context demonstrates the dangers first responders encounter when individuals choose to obstruct lawful arrests.
