A late-night arrest outside a Tempe bar on Mill Avenue has prompted questions about police use of force after video of the incident circulated online and the Maricopa County Attorney’s Office declined to pursue charges against the woman involved.
The incident happened early Sunday outside CASA on Mill Avenue, where Tempe police officers were responding to a reported fight. A woman was arrested after officers said she interfered with an active arrest, but video from the scene led to public discussion about the interaction.
The county attorney’s office later declined prosecution, saying there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction based on the available evidence.
Incident
According to court documents, the incident occurred on July 19, 2026, at approximately 1:45 a.m.
Tempe Police Department bike squad officers were attempting to arrest two people involved in a physical altercation when officers said a 21-year-old woman approached the scene and interfered.
Police documents state that the woman stood behind officers and attempted to pull one of the suspects away while officers were trying to detain him.
Officers said they instructed her multiple times to move back. Court documents state that an officer pushed her away from the area after she moved between officers and the individuals being detained.
Arrest
Court documents state that the woman moved toward the officers again after being told to step back. Police said she placed herself between officers who were still attempting to control the situation.
According to the report, the woman later stood up after falling and approached an officer with clenched fists and an aggressive posture.
Police said the woman struck the officer several times during the encounter. Court documents state that the officer suffered scratches and minor injuries to his arm and wrist.
The woman was arrested on allegations including interference with a police investigation, aggravated assault on a police officer, and resisting arrest.
Video
A video recorded by a witness outside CASA shows part of the encounter. The footage shows the woman approaching officers, an officer pushing her, and the woman being taken to the ground near police bicycles.
The video also shows an officer striking the woman while she is on the ground.
The footage quickly gained attention online, with some viewers questioning whether the force used was appropriate.
Police officials said the circulating video shows only part of the encounter and does not include the full sequence of events that led to the use of force.
Review
The Tempe Police Department announced an internal investigation into the incident.
The department released four additional video clips showing different perspectives of the encounter and said the review will include body-worn camera footage, witness statements, and other available evidence.
In a statement, police said any use of force requires careful review and that investigators will determine whether the officer’s actions followed department policies and training standards.
The department said it would provide more information when possible while protecting the integrity of the investigation.
Decision
The Maricopa County Attorney’s Office reviewed the case but declined to file charges.
Officials told ABC15 that prosecutors determined there was no reasonable likelihood of conviction.
The decision means the criminal case will not move forward at this time, although the police department’s internal review remains separate from the prosecutorial decision.
Responses
The Tempe Officers Association defended the officers’ actions and said the full video record provides more context than the short clip shared online.
Association president Robert Ferraro said officers were responding to a chaotic situation involving multiple people and that the woman’s actions interfered with an active arrest.
Ferraro said the officer’s use of force came after the woman allegedly struck and scratched the officer. He argued that officers must respond when someone enters an active confrontation and does not follow commands.
The woman’s attorney and other critics raised concerns about the level of force used. Attorney Benjamin Taylor said officers should focus on de-escalation and questioned whether the response increased tension during the encounter.
A witness who recorded part of the incident also said the use of force appeared unnecessary based on what he observed.
Investigation
The Tempe Police Department’s administrative review will determine whether the officer’s actions were consistent with department policies.
The review will examine the actions of everyone involved, including officers, suspects, and bystanders, according to police officials.
The incident highlights ongoing discussions about police response, public recordings, and the importance of viewing complete footage when evaluating fast-moving encounters.
FAQs
Where did the arrest happen?
The arrest happened outside CASA on Mill Avenue in Tempe.
Why was the woman arrested?
She was accused of interfering with a police investigation.
Were charges filed?
The county attorney declined prosecution of the case.
Is police reviewing the incident?
Yes, Tempe police started an internal investigation.
Why did the video gain attention?
The video raised questions about police use of force.
