Upstate New York Police Chief on Leave After Girlfriend Arrested in Porch Altercation

The Police Chief of Binghamton, New York, has been placed on administrative leave following a confrontation involving his girlfriend, who now faces criminal charges.

According to WSKG, Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski was placed on leave Monday after an altercation occurred while he was off-duty in nearby Johnson City last Friday.

Zikuski was present at the scene but not directly involved in the conflict.

A video that has since gone viral on Facebook shows Zikuski’s girlfriend, Susan Rice, in a heated exchange with several individuals seated on the porch of a residence. During the argument, Rice can be heard saying, “Section 8” and claiming, “We are the police,” despite not holding any position in law enforcement.

Rice allegedly stormed onto the porch and struck two teenagers, a 16-year-old resident of the home and an 18-year-old friend who was visiting.

The video then appears to show someone striking Rice, who falls to the ground. Zikuski is later seen entering the porch, lifting Rice, and carrying her away.

According to WNBF, police said that Rice received medical attention for injuries that were not disclosed. The two teens involved did not report any injuries.

WBNG reports that Johnson City Police are currently investigating the matter.

Rice was not taken into custody at the scene. Instead, she was arrested Monday after voluntarily appearing at the Johnson City Police station for an interview.

She has been charged with endangering the welfare of a child, trespassing, and second-degree harassment. However, she was not charged with assault, or at least not at this time.

Before her arrest, Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham expressed concern over Rice’s remarks captured in the video.

“I’m troubled by her language and the implication that she is in any way above the law because of a personal association with a member of law enforcement,” Kraham said. He emphasized that Rice “is a private citizen — not employed by the City of Binghamton nor affiliated with the City in any official capacity.”

Rice was released and issued a court appearance ticket.

Zikuski has served as Binghamton’s police chief since 2008. He was previously placed on administrative leave in 2015 during a sexual harassment investigation, but returned to his post after the complaint was dropped.

Assistant Police Chief John C. Ryan has been appointed Acting Chief of the Binghamton Police Department pending the internal review.

Upstate New York Police Chief on Leave After Girlfriend Arrested in Porch Altercation