A Binghamton police officer has been suspended from duty indefinitely after allegedly sharing on social media — without authorization — surveillance video of an incident last week in which several people were accidentally burned at a bar in the city.
The incident took place late Friday evening at Courtside Bar & Grill on Court Street.
Police said the patrons were provided a beverage by the establishment that is lit on fire prior to being served. The beverage combusted while being served, causing a large spurt of flames, which resulted in the injuries.
A 20-year-old woman sustained serious injuries and was rushed to a local hospital for treatment. She was then transferred to Upstate Medical in Syracuse. Her condition is unknown.
The two other people were treated by medics at the scene.
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A 17-second surveillance video of the incident was posted on social media. An internal affairs investigation pointed to a police officer, whose name was not released, as the person responsible for leaking the video, according to City of Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham.
“As a result of that ongoing investigation, a patrol officer has been suspended — without pay — indefinitely,” Kraham said in an email statement.
“I anticipate further disciplinary action for the suspended officer and for any other officer found to have violated department policy,” he said. “I will reserve additional comment until the investigation is complete. But I’m taking this matter very seriously.”
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This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Video of flaming drink burning NY bar patrons brings police suspension
