Second Man Arrested in Washington Square Park Snowball Fight That Injured NYPD Officers During NYC Blizzard

Second ‘Kid’ (Age 18) Arrested in Snow Brawl Attack on Cops

By Staff Reporter 

Manhattan Voice 

March 4, 2026

NEW YORK, NY - A second arrest has been made in the Washington Square Park snowball fight that injured NYPD officers during the NYC blizzard — an incident that left two officers hurt and sparked widespread debate about public safety during extreme weather events. The second arrest comes despite the fact that the mayor downplayed the incident as a “snowball fight” among “kids” and the Manhattan DA refused to charge the first suspect arrested.

Police say 18-year-old Eric Wilson, Jr. was taken into custody Wednesday morning in connection with the Washington Square Park snowball fight incident during NYC blizzard conditions. The park, located in Washington Square Park, had become a gathering point for crowds looking to enjoy the snow, but what started as winter fun allegedly turned into a confrontation with officers.

According to the New York City Police Department, Wilson has been charged with:

• Obstructing governmental administration

• Harassment

Authorities allege that during the height of the storm, officers responding to disorderly conduct were struck with snowballs, resulting in injuries.

The arrest adds a new development to what many are calling the second arrest in Washington Square Park snowball fight case and the NYPD officers injured during snowball fight in New York City blizzard story that has gained traction across local news and social media platforms.

Wilson is the second person charged in connection to the snowy confrontation. Previously, 27-year-old Gusmane Coulibaly was arrested and later released following charges related to the same incident.

Coulibaly was already known to authorities. Just weeks earlier, he had been arrested in the Bronx for allegedly harassing individuals inside a subway station. Police said he was demanding money people supposedly “owed” him as part of a filmed stunt for his YouTube channel.

That prior incident was widely described as the Bronx subway prank arrest involving YouTube stunt for money demands, raising questions about whether the park incident was similarly tied to online content creation.

Large public gatherings during major snowstorms are nothing new in New York City. However, what made this event different was the alleged targeting of responding officers.

Witnesses described a lively crowd enjoying the snowfall before tensions rose. Viral videos circulating online appear to show snowballs being thrown toward police officers attempting to disperse the crowd.

While snowball fights are often harmless winter traditions, officials emphasized that interfering with police operations — especially during severe weather emergencies — can lead to criminal charges.

The case is increasingly being referred to as the Washington Square Park snowball fight arrest following NYC blizzard injuries and the public safety concerns after snowball fight injures two NYPD officers.

The Washington Square Park snowball fight arrest case during major New York snowstorm highlights a broader issue: how quickly public gatherings during extreme weather can escalate into law enforcement situations.

Obstructing governmental administration is considered a serious charge in New York, particularly when it involves interference with officers performing official duties.

As the investigation continues, the second man arrested in Washington Square Park snowball fight that injured police officers case is drawing attention not only because of the unusual circumstances — a snowball fight during a blizzard — but also because of the alleged connection to social media stunt culture.

Wilson is expected to face court proceedings in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, questions remain about whether additional arrests could follow as police continue reviewing video footage and witness statements.

For now, what began as a snow-day gathering has evolved into the developing legal case involving snowball fight injuries to NYPD officers in Washington Square Park, underscoring how quickly winter fun in New York City can turn into criminal charges when public safety is involved.