Arizona Capitol

State Senator Scott Bundgaard Domestic-Violence Hearing Postponed

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.

KEEP PHOENIX NEW TIMES FREE... Since we started Phoenix New Times, it has been defined as the free, independent voice of Phoenix, and we'd like to keep it that way. With local media under siege, it's more important than ever for us to rally support behind funding our local journalism. You can help by participating in our "I Support" program, allowing us to keep offering readers access to our incisive coverage of local news, food and culture with no paywalls.
James King
Contact: James King

Latest Stories