Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski offered his account of a July 18 incident involving his girlfriend, Susan Rice, as an independent investigation into his conduct begins, according to WICZ. Rice faces multiple charges after a confrontation with neighbors in Johnson City.
Zikuski told police that Rice had been provoked by ongoing disputes and that he tried to calm her down. A police report describes Rice swinging at a teen before being pushed to the ground. A neighbor disputed claims of harassment and said Rice previously showed gratitude by buying the boys pizza.
Rice was later charged with trespass, harassment, and endangering the welfare of a child. The city hired former ethics chief Karl Sleight to lead the probe into Zikuski’s involvement and potential misconduct.
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