The Philadelphia Police Department has opened an investigation following an extremely disturbing and violent video posted to YouTube featuring a veteran police officer punching a parade participant in the face.
The officer you will see in the following clip has been identified as Lt. Jonathan Josey, a 19-year-vet who is currently assigned to the Highway Patrol.
The incident in question took place during Sunday’s annual Puerto Rican Day parade. In the clip the woman, who has not been identified, is walking away from a group of police officers when Josey turns, takes a few steps and blindsides her with a vicious punch. Josey allegedly assumed that beer had been thrown on him by the woman.
The woman can be seen instantly falling to the ground with a bloodied face. Just before, she was walking around a group of people and appears to have sprayed some silly string. Another person can be viewed tossing liquid in the air in the direction of the officers.
Please be warned that this clip is extremely violent and not appropriate for all ages:
City Councilwoman Maria Quinones Sanchez, a central organizer of the parade, told the Philadelphia Inquirer that she spoke with Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey this morning, and that Ramsey was particularly upset because the incident involved a commanding officer.
Noting that this year’s parade theme was, “The Puerto Rican Woman,” she added that Ramsey was “very concerned.”
Lieutenant Josey will be assigned desk duty during the investigation. The woman who was hit in the clip was taken into custody and issued a citation for disorderly conduct. You can see her being cuffed at the conclusion of the video.
