DC officer off streets over gun at snowball fight

WASHINGTON — A Washington, D.C., police officer is on desk duty while the department investigates reports he pulled a gun during a mass snowball fight on a city street.

Mayor Adrian Fenty said Monday the police department’s internal affairs office is investigating witness accounts and video footage.

Police said in a release that images and statements appeared to support claims the off-duty officer did pull a gun after he and his personal car were hit by snowballs.

Hundreds of people were gathered for the snowball fight during Saturday’s record snowstorm.

A video posted on YouTube showed a man holding what appears to be a gun in the snowy street. Another video shows the same man telling people he is a detective and that he pulled his gun because he was hit by snowballs.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.

WASHINGTON (AP) — Washington, D.C., police are investigating after Internet videos showed a detective waving his gun during a mass snowball fight on a city street.

Police said Monday they were looking into reports that the plainclothes officer pulled a gun after he and his personal car were hit by snowballs. Police say witness accounts and videos from the scene appeared to support the claims.

Hundreds of people were gathered for the snowball fight during Saturday’s record snowstorm.

A video posted on YouTube showed the officer waving and pointing a gun as he walks toward the snowballers. Another video shows what appears to be the same man telling people he is a detective and that he pulled his gun because he was hit by snowballs.