The City of Binghamton has retained an attorney to investigate the July 18 altercation that led to Binghamton Chief of Police Joseph Zikuski being placed on administrative leave.
On July 23, Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham announced attorney Karl J. Sleight has been hired to determine if any violations of police department policy or misconduct occurred during an altercation between Zikuski’s girlfriend, 44-year-old Susan Rice, and two neighbors in the Village of Johnson City.
According to Johnson City Police, Rice got into a verbal dispute with a 16-year-old boy and his 18-year-old friend who were sitting on a porch next door.
Rice allegedly walked onto the victim’s porch and punched both teenagers before being struck once by the 16-year-old and falling to the floor. Zikuski was off duty at the time and was present at the scene of the altercation.
Zikuski was placed on leave July 20 pending an investigation. Rice was charged July 21 with second-degree harassment, endangering the welfare of a child and trespass.
Kraham said Sleight will begin work on the case immediately. A report of the firm’s findings will be released publicly following the investigation.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Attorney to investigate Johnson City altercation that placed Binghamton police chief on leave
Reporting by Jillian McCarthy, Binghamton Press & Sun Bulletin / Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin
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