PHILADELPHIA (AP) — A former police lieutenant videotaped punching a woman after last year's Puerto Rican Day parade in Philadelphia has been acquitted of simple assault.
A municipal judge ruled Tuesday in the case of Jonathan Josey, who was later fired.
Video posted online showed the woman being struck in the face and falling to the ground, her face bloodied, and then being led away in handcuffs.
Police say people had been throwing liquid at officers. Josey testified he thought Guzman had thrown beer on him. He says he told her to put down the bottle and then swung in an attempt to knock it from her hand.
District Attorney Seth Williams says he disagrees with the judge's ruling. Josey's attorney says the fired officer will seek immediate reinstatement.
