City Settles Lawsuit With Woman Hit By Cop During Puerto Rican Day Parade
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The woman seen on video getting struck in the face by a Philadelphia police lieutenant has settled her case against the City of Philadelphia.
Attorney Enrique Latoison says his client, Aida Guzman, 39, has repeatedly relived the day that former police lieutenant Jonathan Josey punched her in the face during the 2012 Puerto Rican Day Parade.
"The city really stepped up," says Latoison, "$75,000 for one punch, definitely shows that she was the victim in the matter, that she did nothing wrong."
The video shows Josey responding and making one swinging motion to stop Guzman after police believe she threw beer on them during the September 30th event. The incident was caught on video and went viral. The department fired Josey. Latoison says the video, Josey's trial and later, his not guilty verdict, caused severe mental anguish to Guzman. He says the money will help her put that day behind her.
"The $75,000 is definitely going to help her," he says. "She plans on buying a house and will be moving out of the public housing that she lives in now."
Although Guzman is fighting to forget that day, Latoison says forgiveness won't come easy for Josey, who is fighting to get his job back.
"We do not think he should at this point, nor does she forgive him for this situation given the fact that he has never apologized," says Latoison. "He's always said it was an accident instead of just acknowledging the fact that he lost his temper."
Latoison says if asked, Guzman is willing to testify at Josey's arbitration to oppose his reinstatement.
