State Senator Scott Bundgaard was supposed to be in Phoenix Municipal Court this morning to answer for his alleged scuffle with ex-girlfriend Aubry Ballard, but he wasn't, and now his hearing's been rescheduled.
Bundgaard's attorneys reportedly are asking for a change of venue and say they need time to interview additional witnesses.
Bundgaard's been charged with one count each of reckless assault and endangerment for the freeway fracas that resulted in a night in the slammer for Ballard and a shiner for Bundgaard.
Bundgaard was not
charged the night of the incident because, according to Phoenix police,
he invoked legislative immunity -- a claim he disputes. Ballard, on the
other hand, was taken into custody at the scene.
With each side telling a different story, the details of the brouhaha
are unclear. Bundgaard claims Ballard attacked him in a jealous rage as
the two were driving home from a charity event, during which Bundgaard
competed in a dance competition with another woman.
He claims
she started punching him and throwing his clothes out the window as the
two were driving on State Route 51. When he stopped to retrieve the
clothes, he tried to remove Ballard from the car, dragging her along the
side of the highway, causing cuts and scrapes to her legs.
Bundgaard also claims Ballard pulled a gun on him, a claim Ballard says -- and most observers believe -- is BS.
The unbelievable yarn about the gun, Senate sources told New Times at the time,
was the breaking point for many Senate Republicans, who booted
Bundgaard from his leadership position shortly after the incident.
Bundgaard's new hearing is scheduled for August 15. According to KPHO,
the judge handling the case is requiring Bundgaard to be present for the
hearing.
