Philly Police Officer Who Punched Woman At Parade Charged
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PHILADELPHIA -
Philadelphia prosecutors have charged a police lieutenant caught on video punching a woman while responding to a disturbance at a Puerto Rican Day parade in September.
Jonathan Josey, who has been fired, was charged Thursday with simple assault, a misdemeanor.
District Attorney Seth Williams says he made the decision after carefully reviewing the video, which went viral on the Internet. Williams says police were responding to a chaotic situation, but the use of force was unnecessary.
Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey says he supports the decision. A message left with Josey's attorney was not immediately returned.
The video shows 39-year-old Aida Guzman being struck in the face and falling to the ground, her face bloodied, and then being led away in handcuffs. A disorderly conduct charge against her was later withdrawn.
Josey's attorney, on the other hand, says his client will be vindicated.
Defense attorney Fortunato Perri
Jr. says Josey was working in a "very volatile environment" that day.
He says the 19-year veteran hopes to return to
his job.
Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
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