February Trial Set For Philly Cop Charged With Striking Woman After Parade
By Tony Hanson
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- A trial date has been for a former Philadelphia police lieutenant charged with striking a woman during a raucous disturbance following the Puerto Rican Day parade last September (see related stories).
Lt. Jonathan Josey, since fired from his job, is charged with simple assault. Philadelphia DA Seth Williams, who announced the charges, acknowledged that Josey reacted in part because things were being thrown on police.
But DA Williams says that Josey went beyond the scope of the force he was permitted to use.
Defense attorney Fortunato Perri Jr. says Josey is eager to defend himself, saying his actions were reasonable under the circumstances.
"Unfortunately, this is the type of case where a snippet of video gone viral has devastated a man's career," Perry told KYW Newsradio today. "And I think at the end of the day, when we have an opportunity to defend this case in a criminal courtroom with all the facts and circumstances, that we are confident Lt. Josey will be acquitted."
Perri emphasizes that the decorated 19-year veteran wants his job back.
The non-jury trial has been scheduled for February 12th.
