Kraham: Zikuski on Paid Leave Pending Independent Investigation

Binghamton Police Chief Joseph Zikuski remains on paid administrative leave while the city prepares to launch an investigation into an incident involving a woman who has been described as his girlfriend.

Mayor Jared Kraham Wednesday made his first public comments to reporters since he announced that Zikuski would be off the job after a video of a Johnson City dispute was posted on social media.

The brief recording shows an interaction on Friday evening involving Susan Rice and two teenagers on the porch of an Ackley Avenue home.

Johnson City police said during an argument, Rice punched both teens. One of them - a 16-year-old boy - is seen striking the woman in the face, causing her to fall to the floor. Zikuski then assisted Rice and led her from the scene.

On Wednesday, Kraham was asked by WNBF News whether he had spoken with the police chief about what happened before, during and after the dispute. The mayor replied: "I spoke to Chief Zikuski on Sunday where I informed him of his administrative leave."

Kraham said he's "interested in a very swift, robust and thorough investigation of the facts and factors" surrounding the incident.

The mayor said attorney Karl Sleight of the Lippes Mathias law firm has been hired by the city to conduct the review. He said Sleight will start work immediately.

Assistant chief John Ryan is overseeing police department operations while Zikuski is on leave.

Johnson City police on Monday announced Rice had been charged with trespass, harassment and endangering the welfare of a child in connection with the Ackley Avenue incident.

WNBF NEWS VIDEO: Mayor Jared Kraham discussed the situation involving the city police chief on July 23, 2025.

This story was updated with information about the attorney who will conduct the review for the City of Binghamton.

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Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com or call (607) 545-2250. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.