The Flagstaff Police Department set up a new website after a video of one of their officers punching a woman in the face went viral on November 11. The officer was dispatched to E. Blizzard Way, to assist with evicting the residents.
On November 11, during the arrest of Marissa Morris, who appears somewhat uncooperative, Officer Jeff Bonar struck her in the face. An internal investigation into this incident has been launched.
Officer Bonar wrote in his report of the incident: “Marissa continued wrestling her hands away from us so I struck her in the face with a closed right fist several times as distraction blows, with very minimal force.”
The video appears to show him hitting her once forcefully in the face.
Officer Bonar has been placed on administrative leave.
Morris was arrested for aggravated assault and resisting arrest.
The Department reports that Office Bonar initially activated his camera when he arrived at the scene. He deactivates his camera once he is told by the deputies that his assistance is no longer needed and he is in the process of getting into his car. He then notices Ms. Morris and makes contact with her. He does not immediately activate his camera upon initial contact as the contact quickly escalated. Officer Bonar does activate his camera once Ms. Morris is placed in handcuffs.
Officer Bonar’s report:
I was dispatched to E Blizzard Way, to assist Deputy Winchester (CCSO) with evicting the residents per a court order. When I arrived on scene, I activated my body camera and assisted Deputy Winchester as he spoke to the residents. Deputy Winchester advised he would no longer need my assistance so I deactivated my body camera and started to leave the scene.
Before I entered my patrol car, I observed a female subject, who I recognized to be Marissa Morris, walking in between the residence of E Blizzard Way and E Blizzard Way. I had assisted Officer Walch in searching for Marissa who was involved in a suspicious incident on 10-18-2016. Upon searching for Marissa, we observed she had two active warrants per ILEASD but were unable to locate her. See the connecting report P16-15616 for more information. I walked up to Marissa and stated `Hey I need to talk to you.` Marissa replied `No you don`t` and continued walking towards the residence at E Blizzard Way. I then stated `Hey you have warrants you need to stop.` Marissa said `No I don`t` and then started running in between a truck in the driveway and a staircase. I grabbed Marissa to prevent her escape and told her to stop and that she was under arrest. Marissa started actively resisting by concealing her hands and flailing her body around attempting to escape. Marissa and I were pinned in between the truck and the staircase, which was only about three feet wide, and we were facing each other face to face. I commanded Marissa to put her hands behind her back and to stop resisting. Marissa`s hands were in front of her in close proximity to her waistline and my duty belt. I was unaware if Marissa had any weapons on her person, and I was concerned she would have access to weapons on my belt. I called for backup over the radio and Deputy Winchester came over and assisted me in trying to put Marissa`s hands behind her back. Marissa appeared to be intoxicated on a stimulant drug and exerted an impressive amount of strength for a women her size. Marissa continued struggling and stuck me with her knee on my groin and legs several times. I grabbed Marissa`s neck applying little to no pressure and pushed her away from myself creating space. Marissa continued wrestling her hands away from us so I struck her in the face with a closed right fist several times as distraction blows, with very minimal force.