On the day Lt. Jonathan Josey was let go, possibly for good, the woman he hit talked to investigators with the Philadelphia police department's Internal Affairs division.
"We never publicly asked for him to be terminated or fired, however we do approve of it," said attorney Enrique Latoison. He said his client, Aida Guzman, "thinks it's a fair outcome."
Guzman was hit by Lt. Josey on Sunday and the incident was caught on tape. Josey was the commanding officer on the scene in North Philadelphia for the Festival de las Americas, which follows the Puerto Rican Day Parade. Josey and other officers were involved in a traffic stop. Guzman was among the crowd and sprayed silly string near the officer. Someone else threw water. Then Lt. Josey turned around and hit Guzman. She fell down, was handcuffed, led away with a bloody lip and later charged with disorderly conduct.
The charge was dropped on Wednesday, a few hours before NBC10 learned Josey would suspended for 30 days, with the intent to dismiss. Guzman's attorney says they are still waiting for someone to say, "I'm sorry."
"We haven't heard from the Mayor's office, we haven't heard from anyone. No one's reached out, there's been no formal apology," Latoison told NBC10. He says at this point, Guzman, who lives in Chester, is scared to venture into the city of Philadelphia.
"She's contemplating leaving and going to Puerto Rico at this point because she's in fear."
Lt. Josey has been with the department for almost 20 years. He has had a decorated career, including a commendation for shooting a man who was trying to hold up a convenience store. Josey was off-duty when he chased down and shot the would-be robber.
