Jonathan Josey, Philadelphia Police Officer, Gets Suspended For Punching Aida Gusman

Philly Police Department Will Fire Cop Who Hit Woman

The Philadelphia police officer who was recorded punching a woman in the face on Sunday has been suspended for 30 days, the first step toward firing him.

Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey announced the punishment Wednesday evening against Lt. Jonathan Josey days after a YouTube video showed him striking Aida Gusman at the Puerto Rican Day Parade.

The blow from Josey, a 19-year veteran on the force, knocks the 39-year-old mother of three to the street. When she's led away with her hands cuffed behind her back, a trickle of blood runs down her mouth.

The footage unleashed an instant uproar over the apparent excessive use of force.

"Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey has decided to take 'Commissioner’s Direct Action' against Police Lt. Jonathan Josey for his actions on Sept. 30, 2012, on the 2700 block of North 5th Street," said the department's announcement. "Effective Thursday, Oct. 4, 2012, Lieutenant Jonathan Josey will be suspended for thirty days with the intent to dismiss."

At the beginning of the clip, Josey stands among a crowd of uniformed police officers in the middle of a busy intersection at the parade. Someone throws a liquid or perhaps silly string on the assembled cops. Then Josey, walking toward Gusman, unleashes a punch that sends her sprawling. A circle of cops quickly forms around Josey as he arrests Gusman, who's sitting on the pavement.

Gusman, however, denied that she tossed anything.

"I don't have time to play games like that," she said, according to WWPV.

After the YouTube clip circulated widely on Monday, the district attorney dropped the disorderly conduct charge originally pressed against Gusman, ABC News reported.

Josey had 13 other complaints filed against him during his career, according to a WWPV report.

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