Flagstaff police officer caught punching woman on video indicted on assault charges

PHOENIX — A Flagstaff police officer who was seen punching a woman in the face in a viral video was indicted on aggravated assault charges on Wednesday, authorities said.

The Flagstaff Police Department announced the news in a Facebook post. The agency said Jeff Bonar, who had resigned from the department, was indicted on two counts of aggravated assault.

Bonar was caught punching Marissa Morris in a November video that quickly went viral.

In a press conference after the incident, Flagstaff Police Chief Kevin Treadway said Bonar was helping the Coconino County Sheriff’s Office with an eviction when he recognized Morris.

Treadway said Bonar was involved with a call related to Morris in October and believed she still had outstanding warrants. He wanted to detain her to check and the situation became heated.

“After her arrest, it was determined that the warrants had already been served and were no longer valid,” Treadway said.

Bonar, who was with another officer, and Morris, whom authorities described as “somewhat uncooperative,” had exchanged words before he hit her. Treadway said Bonar reported Morris had kicked and kneed him prior to the punch.

Treadway said Bonar violated at least six Flagstaff police policies — including displaying excessive force — during the incident.

“We have policies in place and hold our people accountable,” Treadway said.

Bonar was wearing a body camera, but it was not turned on. He had no prior incidents in a 3-year career with the department.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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