Woman Says Cop Punched Her - Civil Rights Activist Responds

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A Flagstaff woman who was reportedly hit in the face by a Flagstaff police officer during an arrest is speaking out.

The incident took place on Wednesday, and it was captured on camera. The officer, identified by Flagstaff police as Jeff Bonar, has been placed on administrative leave, while the department investigates.

The woman, identified as 30-year-old Marissa Morris, is facing one count of aggravated assault against a police officer, and a count of resisting arrest. Morris said she was just defending herself against an aggressive officer.

Morris said she knows the warrant that was previously out for her arrest had been cleared, something confirmed by Flagstaff police. The officer, however, did not know that.

"Aggressive, rude, totally and completely disrespectful. No regard for another human. It was just, like, attack Marissa," said Morris.

Flagstaff police found out about the incident via social media.

"I was shocked, to be honest, when I initially saw the video, but as I reviewed it more times, I realized there are more questions to be answered," said Sgt. Cory Runge with Flagstaff police.

Although Morris bears no physical scars, Morris said she and her family are emotionally scarred and humiliated by the incident.

"Why me?" asked Morris, recounting what she was thinking during the incident. "What did I do to deserve anything like that. I did not kick him. I did not put my hands on him in any harmful way. I just was trying to protect myself."