Cop Who Allegedly Hit Woman After Puerto Rican Day Parade Turns Himself In
By Paul Kurtz
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) — The fired police lieutenant charged with simple assault for knocking a woman to the ground following September's Puerto Rican Day festival in North Philadelphia has turned himself in.
Lt. Jonathan Josey turned himself in to Philadelphia Police Internal Affairs in the Fox Chase section of the city around 9:45 a.m. on Friday morning.
A cell phone video captured Lieutenant Jonathan Josey, in uniform, dropping 39-year-old Ida Guzman with a single punch back in September.
District Attorney Seth Williams said an extensive investigation showed police attempting to restore order after a motorist whipped up the crowd by driving in circles at 5th Street and Lehigh Avenue.
"As a result of all the noise, as a result of all the people, all the things being thrown on the police, Jon Josey reacted in the way he did. It's just my determination that that reaction went beyond the scope of what force he is allowed to use," Williams explained.
Simple assault is a second degree misdemeanor, Williams said.
"It's generally unlikely for a first time non-violent offender who is charged with simple assault for a fact similar to this to get jail time," Williams said.
Josey has since been fired.
