A Fourth of July backyard barbecue in Valley Stream ended with kids in the hospital and a neighbor in handcuffs, after police say an unknown chemical was sprayed toward a packed family gathering.
Five children and several other guests were treated at local hospitals, and Nassau County police have opened a criminal investigation into what started as a neighbor dispute and escalated into a frightening scene.
Police: Partygoers Report Burning Eyes, Trouble Breathing
Nassau County police say officers responding to a neighbor dispute that night found multiple people in distress, complaining of burning eyes and difficulty breathing. The victims included two 15-year-olds, a 14-year-old, a 3-year-old and a 1-year-old. Officials said all were in stable condition after being taken to area hospitals for evaluation, according to PIX11.
Neighbors Describe The Scene
Homeowner Keematie Rajroop told News12 her family had been celebrating in the yard when guests suddenly caught a whiff of something strong that "resembled vinegar" and noticed a mist drifting from the neighboring property.
Within moments, she said, people were coughing, rubbing at their eyes and scrambling to get children inside. News12 reported that roughly 10 people were taken to hospitals that night. Most were later released, though some relatives told the station they continued to experience lingering symptoms.
Suspect's Account And Charges
Nassau County police identified 46-year-old Nicholas Stolz as the suspected source of the spray and arrested him without incident.
According to PIX11, Stolz told officers he had been spraying a mixture of vinegar, salt, soap and water toward the neighboring home. Police say he now faces a charge of assault in the third degree, along with counts of endangering the welfare of a child.
Legal Note
Under New York law, assault in the third degree and endangering the welfare of a child are class A misdemeanors, each punishable by up to one year in jail. See New York Penal Law sections 120.00 and 260.10 as published by the New York State Senate and the New York State Senate for the statutory text.
What Happens Next
Prosecutors say Stolz was arraigned, pleaded not guilty and was released while the case proceeds, with a court date set for mid-July, according to News12.
Anyone with information about the incident is asked to contact Nassau County Crime Stoppers at 1-800-244-TIPS or submit a web tip through Nassau County Crime Stoppers.
