Philly Officer Charged for Punching Woman

Jonathan Josey accused of misdemeanor assault
By Newser Editors and Wire Services
Posted Nov 15, 2012 3:55 PM CST
Philly Officer Charged for Punching Woman
Lt. Jonathan Josey is in trouble.   (Shutterstock)

The Philadelphia police lieutenant who got fired for punching a woman at a festival was charged today with simple assault, a misdemeanor. District attorney Seth Williams says he made the decision to charge Jonathan Josey after carefully reviewing video of the altercation. Williams says police were responding to a chaotic situation, but the use of force was unnecessary.

Defense attorney Fortunato Perri Jr. says Josey was working in a "very volatile environment" that day. He says the 19-year veteran will be vindicated and hopes to return to his job. The video shows 39-year-old Aida Guzman being struck in the face and falling to the ground, her face bloodied, before being led away in handcuffs. (More Philadelphia stories.)

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