Cop caught sucker punching woman during parade because 'she let off silly string in his face' is taken off the streets while investigation takes place

A police sergeant who punched a young woman in the face during a peaceful parade has been taken off the streets while an investigation into the shocking incident takes place, it has emerged.

Philadelphia police said the unidentified officer has now been restricted to administrative duties following the incident at Sunday's Puerto Rican Day Parade.

A 36-second video was posted on YouTube showing the officer punch a young woman in the face because he thought she sprayed silly string at him during the 50th anniversary of the parade.

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Caught on camera: Lt Jonathan Josey circled on the left, appears to deliver a blow to Aida Guzman during the Puerto Rican day parade

Floored: Ms Guzman falls to the ground as Lt Josey stands over her, and is handcuffed by the police

The officer has been placed on 'restricted status' which means he will continue to work on administrative duties until the investigation is completed.

According to ABC News, Lieutenant Ray Evers said: 'We were made aware of the video very, very early this morning. Internal Affairs opened up an investigation in reference to the incident and the actions of that officer. The incident is being fully investigated.'

The clip shows a number of people milling around enjoying the festivities in the 'City of Brotherly Love'.

From the left-hand side, someone can be seen throwing an unidentified liquid towards a group of police officers.

At the same time, a young woman is walking past - who also gets hit by the liquid.



As she turns around to see where it came from, a police officer in a white shirt - which means he has acquired the rank of sergeant - comes towards the woman and delivers a brutal punch to her face, knocking her to the ground.

Violence: Ms Guzman was floored during the incident and can be seen being cuffed as she looks up bewildered

Injuries: Ms Guzman is led away from the scene, bloodied, by a policeman. The footage caused outrage when it was posted online

He then roughly handcuffs her as she sits bleeding and shocked.

As she is led away, with blood dripping down her face, she can be seen trying to tell the sergeant she has done nothing wrong.

The video has prompted a number of comments and back lash about what is seen as unnecessary brutality at the hands of the Philadelphia police.

Many point out that the young women simply threw some water from her bottle or sprayed silly string, others point to the fact that it was actually someone else out of shot who threw the substance that hit the officers.



Philadelphia police say they cannot comment at this time because it is an active investigation.

The woman was taken into police custody on a disorderly conduct charge but was later released.

