Police Chief's Girlfriend Arrested After Racist Attack on Black Teen Neighbors

Incident Overview

• 🚨 A Binghamton police chief, Joseph Zikuski, was placed on administrative leave after his girlfriend, Susan Rice, was caught on video assaulting two Black teenagers.
• 🗣️ Rice allegedly used racist insults and falsely claimed to be law enforcement during the altercation.

The Confrontation

• 🏠 The incident began with Rice arguing with the teens, aged 16 and 18, who were sitting on their porch.
• 💰 Rice made disparaging remarks about their housing, stating, "You don't even pay for this," and referring to her own home as "my estate."
• 👊 Rice then physically assaulted the two teenagers, who were later identified by police.

Aftermath and Charges

• 🚶‍♂️ Police Chief Zikuski was present during the incident and attempted to help Rice after she was struck by someone behind the camera.
• ⚖️ Susan Rice was arrested on Monday and charged with endangering the welfare of a child, harassment, and trespass in the second degree.
• 🎟️ She was released with an appearance ticket, indicating a signature bond for a later court date.

Official Statements and Chief's History

• 👤 The mayor stated that Rice is a private citizen and not affiliated with the city in any official capacity.
• 📜 Chief Zikuski, who has been chief since 2008, was previously on paid administrative leave for over three months due to a dropped sexual harassment allegation.
• 🚫 The chief's current suspension is described as seemingly deserved, stemming from this unforced error.