An off-duty NYPD officer was shoved to the ground and pepper-sprayed during a heated argument over shoveling snow in Brownsville on Monday afternoon, authorities said. The 25-year-old officer was taken to a hospital in stable condition. The confrontation unfolded as New Yorkers dug out from a blizzard that left parts of the city almost buried in snow.
According to the New York Daily News, the clash broke out around 2:45 p.m. near Christopher Avenue and Newport Street. Police told the outlet the officer was knocked to the pavement and sprayed in the face during a dispute over clearing snow. Two suspects, identified by police as 36-year-old Nadine Modeste and 43-year-old Murph Courtney, were picked up about two blocks from the scene and are facing assault charges.
Arrests and Charges
Police say both defendants were booked on assault charges and were being held pending arraignment. Arraignments were pending in Brooklyn Criminal Court, which handles daily arraignments and is located at 120 Schermerhorn Street, according to the New York State court system. Court records will show whether prosecutors decide to pursue any additional filings.
Snow, Shovels and a Short Fuse
Authorities say the dispute started over who was responsible for clearing a sidewalk after a major winter storm that dumped nearly 20 inches of snow in parts of the city. The heavy snowfall and citywide cleanup put residents on edge in many neighborhoods, and officials warned of hazardous conditions while crews worked to dig out streets. Central Park recorded about 19.7 inches of snow, a tally detailed in reporting by AccuWeather.
What Happens Next
The two people arrested are expected to appear in Brooklyn Criminal Court as the case moves through the arraignment process. Investigators are continuing to review the incident, and police say more information will be released as the inquiry proceeds.
