Gothamist
A non-profit newsroom, powered by WNYC.
Gothamist
Listen Live
News
Fired Philly Cop Who Punched Woman Gets Big Party From Union
By
Ben Yakas
Published Oct 12, 2012
Modified Oct 12, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
Never miss a story
Email address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .
By
Ben Yakas
Published Oct 12, 2012
Modified Oct 12, 2012
Share
FacebookTwitterRedditEmail
We rely on your support to make local news available to all
Make your contribution now and help Gothamist thrive in 2026. Donate today
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
During last month's Puerto Rican Day Parade in Philadelphia, Lt. Jonathan Josey was caught on video sucker-punching a woman in the face. The 19-year-veteran, who also teaches "violence prevention" to teenagers, was subsequently suspended with intent to dismiss. But his police union isn't letting him go out without some style: the Fraternal Order of Police is hosting a $30-per-person benefit for Josey on October 28th.
Josey's victim, 39-year-old Aida Guzman, was initially charged with disorderly conduct for allegedly throwing a beer bottle, but the District Attorney dropped all charges. Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey noted he was "rather pleased that they did decide to drop the charges," and Mayor Michael Nutter apologized to the woman, saying he was "appalled," ''sickened" and "ashamed" by the video, which you can see below.
But FOP President John McNesby told Philadelphia Daily News that he disagreed with suggestions that the benefit is inappropriate: "It was inappropriate for the city to apologize to this woman and drop the charges until the investigation was complete," McNesby said. "And we still don't believe it's a fireable offense." City Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez had a very different view: "You're kidding me, right?" she said. "While I understand that the FOP has to defend one of its own, I am extremely disappointed because this will appear that they are condoning the very visible actions of Josey, which hurts the image of their good officers."
Tagged
cop
parties
philadelphia
philly
police brutality
sucker punch
Ben Yakas
Ben Yakas is a former Gothamist reporter.
Read more
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
Gothamist is funded by sponsors and member donations
MORE news
Man shot and killed on Midtown subway platform Saturday afternoon, NYPD says
Police said they're searching for a person of interest.
By
Ryan Kost
and
Elizabeth Kim
Published Oct 17, 2026 at 1:16 p.m. ET
Modified Oct 17, 2026 at 4:10 p.m. ET
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
News
Have you seen this Yorkie? NYPD looking for adorable pup dognapped from her Queens home
Suspects were driving a Subaru Forester, police said.
By
Ryan Kost
Being reigning champions is weird for Knicks fans, but we could get used to this.
By
Catalina Gonella
Tompkins Square Park is getting a makeover. Some say it's too much.
By
Willow Higgins
Deer are all over New Jersey roads looking for sex, state officials warn
By
Rosemary Misdary
Never miss a story
Catch up on the most important headlines with a roundup of essential NYC stories, delivered to your inbox daily.
Sign upEmail address
By submitting your information, you're agreeing to receive communications from New York Public Radio in accordance with our Terms .