Second Suspect Charged In Viral NYC Snowball Fight That Injured Cops

NEW YORK CITY — The NYPD has arrested a second person wanted for pelting police officers with snowballs in Washington Square Park.

Eric Wilson Jr., 18, has been charged with obstructing government administration and harassment, police said.

The recent arrest comes after a 27-year-old man was charged last week in connection with the incident.

Prosecutors dropped an assault charge against Gusmane Coulibaly and instead have charged him with misdemeanor obstructing government administration and harassment.

Two other people are being sought in connection with the Feb. 23 incident.

Officers had arrived at about 4 p.m. on Monday after a 911 caller reported a disorderly group gathering near the park’s fountain. A snowball fight, promoted online hours earlier, had drawn hundreds into the park. Laughter and shouts echoed across the plaza as snow arced through the air.

Video recorded by bystanders shows the mood shift when uniformed officers moved into the center of the crowd. Several people turned and hurled snowballs at close range. Two officers absorbed hard-packed throws to the face and chest. One officer lunged forward and shoved a man to the ground. Another officer chased a man several steps and flung him onto the snow-covered pavement.

Two officers were treated for facial cuts at a local hospital after the incident.