Philly officer who sucker-punched woman will be fired

Aida Guzman's lower lip shows the souvenir from Sunday's Puerto Rican Day Parade. (Yong Kim / Staff Photographer)

By Allison Steele

Inquirer Staff Writer

The Philadelphia police officer who was captured on video punching a woman in the face will be fired.

Police Commissioner Charles H. Ramsey said today that he had issued a direct-action dismissal, an immediate step that commissioners can take if they have evidence that an officer has violated departmental policies or the law.

Lt. Jonathan Josey, 39, is a decorated 19-year veteran of the department who has been praised by some colleagues even after the video emerged. He declined to comment. As of Thursday, he is suspended for a month with the intent to dismiss.

Ramsey had previously said he was "deeply troubled" by the now-notorious video.

"From what I saw, it's difficult to justify the actions that took place," Ramsey said Tuesday.