Video Captures Philly Cop Striking Woman In Face During Altercation
By Steve Tawa, Oren Liebermann, Walt Hunter
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) – The Philadelphia Police Department is investigating an incident in which a police supervisor strikes a woman in the face during Sunday's Puerto Rican Day celebration.
The incident happened at an unrelated neighborhood event at 5th Street and Lehigh Avenue on Sunday and was captured on tape. The video was then uploaded to YouTube.
The video begins with a group of Philadelphia police officers conducting a traffic stop. A crowd begins to gather near the car and several more officers can be seen approaching the area.
At this point, it appears someone throws a liquid, perhaps water from a plastic bottle, in the direction of the gathered officers.
A uniformed police supervisor, identified by police as Lt. Jonathon Josey of Highway Patrol, turns around and sees a woman with something in her hand, identified as Aida Guzman of Chester. As Guzman starts to walk away, the officer strikes her in the face. Guzman can be seen falling to the ground and she is then placed in handcuffs by another officer.
The video shows Guzman being led away in handcuffs with blood on her face. Police say she was issued a citation for disorderly conduct and released from custody.
Guzman, 39, said she had nothing to do with the alleged bottle throwing incident, but was cited for throwing a bottle and was told to appear in court on October 30th.
"I feel angry," said Guzman who attends the parade every year with her children. "I go this place to have a good time."
At police headquarters Monday afternoon, Lt. Ray Evers said the Philadelphia Police Department's internal affairs division is investigating the incident.
"The video speaks for itself," Evers told reporters. "We didn't see exactly what happened prior to the video. But again, Internal Affairs will be investigating this thoroughly."
Deputy Commissioner Richard Ross says Lt. Josey, a 19 year veteran, has been placed on administrative leave during the investigation.
To watch the YouTube video, click here.
