In a word--troubling. That's how Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey describes what the world has now seen. Video of high ranking police Lt. Jonathan Josey winding up and punching a woman in the face following this weekend's Puerto Rican day parade.
"From what I saw it is difficult to justify the actions that took place" said Ramsey.
Fresh off west coast trip for a police conference Ramsey says he hasn't read the reports about what happened but the video does tell a story.
"If there is an arrest to be made. You use only the force necessary to effect that arrest. From what I saw that was in excess of what was needed to bring the situation under control" he said.
Meanwhile the woman who was punched Aida Guzman-- still sporting a busted lip-- appeared with her attorney demanding justice.
"I want these charges dropped against my client" said attorney Enrique Latoison of Media, PA.
"The officer viciously attacks my client comes after my client. Hits her from the side roundhouses and drops her to her knees and has the audacity to charge her with a crime" he said.
That call to drop the charges was echoed by City Councilwoman Maria Qunionez-Sanchez. Who represents the 7th District where the incident happened.
"It is a commanding officer who has been trained to maintain calm lost his cool and that is not acceptable" she said.
Ramsey says the incident is the latest in a string of embarrassments for Philly Police. He hopes it's not tarnishing the department's image he's trying to clean up.
"Certainly we have people that have not conducted themselves in a matter consistent with that but we have a lot that do and all it takes is a negative incident to kind of paint everyone with a broad brush" said Ramsey.
The decision to drop the charges against Guzman remains with the District Attorney's office. Lt. Josey has been assigned to desk duty for the remainder of the Internal Affairs investigation.
Tuesday, May 14 2013 8:31 PM EDT2013-05-15 00:31:38 GMT
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.Dr. Kermit Gosnell
Kermit Gosnell will spend the rest of his life in prison. The 72-year old abortion provider has waived his right to appeal the first-degree murder charge issued by a jury just one day ago.
Monday, May 13 2013 7:03 AM EDT2013-05-13 11:03:57 GMT
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
It was a heartbreaking Mother's Day for the mom of a shooting victim gunned down on South Street as she travels to Philadelphia to identify the body of her son.
Tuesday, April 16 2013 9:28 PM EDT2013-04-17 01:28:48 GMT
The shock of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon has turned to sadness and anger, but there is a new sense of community and patriotism among the people of Boston.
The shock of Monday's bombing at the Boston Marathon has turned to sadness and anger, but there is a new sense of community and patriotism among the people of Boston.
Friday, May 17 2013 11:44 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:44:01 GMT
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
A couple of Good Samaritans helped rescue a 3-year-old boy's lifeless body from an Allentown creek. Their quick thinking and help from police helped bring the boy back to life.
Friday, May 17 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-17 23:38:13 GMT
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
A woman who lived with a Delaware pediatrician accused of waterboarding her 11-year-old daughter has agreed to plead guilty to child endangerment charges and testify against him.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:26 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:26:23 GMT
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries.
When SEPTA trains roll into stations in Radnor Township, Main Line passengers aren't the only ones getting on and off. Police say criminals are now using the rails to pull off home burglaries here and make their getaway.
Friday, May 17 2013 6:08 PM EDT2013-05-17 22:08:49 GMT
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.If you were lucky enough to get outside Friday, to a place like the Perkiomen
A man in Montgomery County is determined to shock and disgust unsuspecting women, even if they're with their young children.
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