Bed-Stuy Food Distribution Ends In 2 Arrests, Sparks Protests

BED-STUY, NY — Protests erupted in Bed-Stuy Thursday after police arrested a man they say broke a traffic cop's scanner, but whom advocates say was just trying to hand out food to his hungry neighbors.

Terrell Harper, 41, faces a grand larceny charge after his encounter with police during a food distribution event on Nostrand Avenue and Fulton Street about 2:30 p.m., police and locals said.

Another woman stands accused of assaulting a police officer and rioting outside the 79th Precinct, where about 20 people rallied to demand Harper's release, said police.

Video posted to social media show multiple people being put into custody outside the 79th Precinct.

While cops say Harper threw a 43-year-old traffic cop's scanner to the ground, advocates say the organizer was wrongfully accused — and that police were trying to tow away the car stocked with food to distribute in the community.

"This was clear racial profiling and a desperate fascist attempt to suppress community organizing and a people powered movement," We The People NYC advocates said on Instagram. "The crime? FEEDING THE PEOPLE."

The arrests — which advocates say involved eight officers — immediately spurred outrage on social media and caught the attention of City Council Member Chi Ossé.

Ossé said he went to the 79th Precinct to find out more.

"My office is monitoring this situation and I’m hoping that Relly is released ASAP," Ossé said.

The NYPD told Patch Harper had been charged with grand larceny, harassment and other charges. He was released later Thursday afternoon.

Court records show Harper is slated to be arraigned in Brooklyn Criminal Court on Friday.

Anyone who witnessed Thursday's arrests can please contact Emily Rahhal at emily.rahhal@patch.com.