Jonathan Josey, Philadelphia cop caught on video hitting woman in face, will stand trial in February on assault charge
(CBS) PHILADELPHIA - Jonathan Josey, a former Philadelphia police lieutenant caught on video striking a woman in the face during a raucous disturbance following a Puerto Rican Day parade in September, has a trial date set for February, CBS Philly reports.
Josey, 39, lost his job and is charged with simple assault in the incident that was caught on video.
The video shows 39-year-old Aida Guzman being struck in the face and falling to the ground, her face bloodied, and then being led away in handcuffs.
Philadelphia DA Seth Williams, who announced the charges, acknowledged that Josey reacted in part because things were being thrown at police. However, he went on to say that Josey went beyond the scope of the force he was permitted to use, CBS Philly reports.
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 Monday. "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 emphasized that the decorated 19-year veteran wants his job back, CBS Philly says.
The non-jury trial is set to begin February 12th.