Manhattan DA Drops Assault Charge in NYPD Snowball-Pelting Case

By City Hall Bureau

NEW YORK — The Manhattan District Attorney’s Office has dropped an assault charge against a man accused of hurling snowballs at police officers during a winter disturbance in Manhattan, court records show.

The defendant had initially been charged after video surfaced allegedly showing him throwing packed snow in the direction of New York City Police Department officers responding to a call during a recent snowstorm.

Prosecutors confirmed this week that the misdemeanor assault count was dismissed, though lesser charges related to disorderly conduct remain under review. Officials declined to elaborate on the reasoning behind the decision, citing ongoing proceedings.

❄️ The Incident

Witnesses said tensions flared after a group gathered in a Manhattan neighborhood during heavy snowfall. Video clips circulating online appeared to show several individuals tossing snowballs as officers attempted to disperse the crowd.

Defense attorneys argued that the snowballs did not cause injury and that the charge was excessive given the circumstances.

⚖️ Legal Threshold

Under New York law, an assault charge generally requires proof of physical injury or intent to cause harm. Legal experts note that prosecutors must weigh whether evidence supports that threshold beyond a reasonable doubt.

“Context matters,” one former prosecutor said. “There’s a difference between reckless conduct and demonstrable injury.”

Public Reaction

The case drew mixed reactions, with some critics accusing prosecutors of being too lenient and others arguing the original charge was disproportionate.

The defendant is scheduled to return to court next month as remaining matters are resolved.

For now, the dropped assault count marks a de-escalation in a case that began with snowballs — and ended up in criminal court.