NYPD To Investigate Cop Who Doused Harlem Cookout

HARLEM, NY — The NYPD will investigate a police officer who was seen dousing a Harlem street cookout with a gallon of water, a department spokesman told Patch.

A video titled "Racist cop pours water on cookout grill and denies black children of food," posted by Youtube user "Israelite" shows and officer from the 28th Precinct use a gallon-bottle of water to extinguish a charcoal grill on a Harlem sidewalk. The NYPD did not confirm where the incident took place.

As the police officer dumps water on the grill — which still has food on it — a crowd of people berates the cop.

"You wilding," one bystander can be heard saying on the video. "You on some real disrespectful s---, B."

Another person asks the police officer "you happy?" and "you feel better?" after the charcoals are extinguished.

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After the police officer walks away from the grill, somebody picks up the gallon bottle and throws it at the officer, striking him in the back, according to the video.

While the actions of the police officer clearly draw the ire of those enjoying the cookout, the officer was likely within his rights to shut down the sidewalk gathering.

Under New York City's grilling laws, using a charcoal grill is legal only on a terrace or backyard. Charcoal grills must never be used on a balcony or roof and must be kept 10 feet away from a building. When using a charcoal grill, one must have a fire extinguisher or garden hose nearby, according to the laws.

Screengrab of Youtube video posted by user Israelite