Robert “Eli” Hallman, ASU art studies freshman and son of Tempe Mayor Hugh Hallman, suffered facial fractures, lacerations and head trauma following an alleged assault on “A” Mountain early Thursday morning, according to a Tempe Police press release.
At approximately 2:15 a.m., Tempe Police responded to a 911 call of a “reported fall” on “A” Mountain, officially known as Hayden Butte, according to Tempe Police Sgt. Steve Carbajal.
Hallman was hiking alone, but Carbajal said the ASU student was unable to give police more details about the incident.
“This could be a result of the head trauma suffered, but I do not know more than that (about the injuries) at this time,” Carabajal said Thursday evening.
“We don’t have any witnesses, we don’t have any evidence, or crime scene. We know a crime occurred in Tempe, but we aren’t sure what, or where, it was.”
Eli Hallman has chosen to not prosecute at this time.
Carbajal said this is not uncommon, but Tempe Police is not closing the case.
“The Tempe Police are not considering this case closed as of right now,” Carbajal said. “The victim could have a change of heart, to choose to prosecute.”’
The Hallman family released this official statement Thursday:
“The Hallman Family very much appreciates everyone’s warm thoughts and prayers following last night’s incident. Eli is expected to make a full recovery with no lasting ill effects, for which we are extremely thankful.”
If anyone has any information, Carbajal urged them to call the Tempe Police Department at 480-350-8311.
Reach the reporter at caitlin.cruz@asu.edu
