Delco Cop Hits 20-Year-Old Woman On St Patrick's Weekend

CHESTER, PA — A Chester Police officer was caught on camera hitting a young woman while responding to fights on St. Patrick's weekend near Widener University, according to reports and police.

The video shows a police sergeant striking Dominique Difiore, 20, early Saturday evening near Widener University's campus as police responded to fights in the area during St. Patrick's Day parties, CBS Philadelphia reports.

According to Action News, the sergeant struck Difiore in the face with a weapon after she allegedly hit him in the neck while responding to a reported riot on the 900 block of E 16th St.

Difiore, as well as several others, were arrested and charged with aggravated assault, and alcohol related offenses, after police found a large group of people fighting in that area, police said.

Police said the incident, the video, and level of force used in connection with the event are all under investigation.

"No one is currently on any modified, administrative or disciplinary duty at this point as a result of this incident,” said Chester Police Chief James Nolan in a statement. "We will work with the Delaware County District Attorney’s Office to conduct the police investigation. Nothing causes more problems down the line in these matters than a rush to judgment or action."

CBS reports Difiore was still jailed as of Monday night after failing to post $7,300 bail.

The video is posted below, but it contains strong language and graphic footage: