Former Philadelphia cop charged with assault

A fired Philadelphia Police Lieutenant is now officially facing criminal charges for what he did after this year’s Puerto Rican Day parade.

Jonathan Josey has been charged with simple assault for striking Aida Guzman at 5th and Lehigh while he was on duty.

District Attorney Seth Williams says the decision to prosecute Josey comes after an extensive investigation.

“I have determined that the appropriate action in this case is to charge Mr. Josey with simple assault,” said Williams. “As I have said many times before, it doesn’t matter if you are a doctor a lawyer or a Monsignor of a church or a police officer or bus driver, justice demands that we have to apply our laws fairly and to everyone.”

Josey lost his job shortly after the incident, which was caught on video and posted online.

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey says officers need to be careful when using force.

“We have to always be mindful of the fact that we have the responsibility not to overreact in situations irrespectful of what might be going on,” said Ramsey.

Defense attorney Fortunato Perri Jr. says Josey was working in a “very volatile environment” that day. He says the 19-year veteran will be vindicated and hopes to return to his job.

D.A. Williams says he could be willing to allow Josey to make a deal to avoid jailtime through the Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition program (ARD).

That could lead to having his record expunged.