The New York tri-state area was buried under heavy snowfall this week, with some areas receiving up to 31 inches of snow. What started as a fun winter moment quickly turned dangerous after a social media group called Sidetalk organized a massive snowball fight in Greenwich Village Park.
At first, the event looked like harmless fun. Large crowds gathered to throw snowballs and enjoy the rare winter blast. However, the situation escalated when police were called to break up the gathering. When officers arrived, parts of the crowd reportedly turned on them. Snowballs were not the only objects thrown. Police say ice chunks and even rocks were hurled at officers.
At least four NYPD officers were hospitalized with facial cuts and head injuries. Officials have confirmed that a criminal investigation is now underway. Detectives are reviewing video footage and social media posts to identify suspects involved in the assault.
Many people online are questioning whether the suspects will be found since most participants were bundled up in heavy winter clothing. Law enforcement officials say surveillance cameras and digital evidence could still help identify those responsible.
What began as a playful winter event has now turned into a serious legal matter.