Police investigate video showing officer throwing coffee at biker

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Chicago police are investigating a video that shows an officer throwing a cup of coffee at a motorcyclist.

The encounter was captured by a helmet-mounted camera. At one point what appears to be coffee obscures the lens.

The incident happened Saturday afternoon near North State and West Hubbard streets in the city's River North neighborhood. The motorcyclist was riding a group. A fellow cyclist popped a wheelie when a Chicago police officer walked into the street.

On video, the officer can be seen throwing his coffee at the rider. He said the coffee was hot.

Parking attendant Alberto Perez was working on the block when it happened and saw the incident.

"It's disturbing that a cop would do that to a motorcyclists. He didn't seem to be making any commotion at all," Perez said.

As the I-Team first reported in 2015, there is some tension between police and so-called "stunters," motorcyclists who enjoy posting videos online of their high-speed exploits. Various websites even compile videos of police chasing riders.

It's unclear what prompted this particular incident, but Chicago's top cop was not amused.

"I was shown that video a little while ago, and I tell you there's nothing I can say to defend actions like that. We expect every officer to be professional, treat people fairly and responsibly," said CPD Supt. Eddie Johnson.

Johnson said the officer will be disciplined appropriately. He has not yet been identified.

"We'll have an investigation. An investigation has been opened up, and when it comes down to it, that officer will be held accountable and will be disciplined appropriately," he said.

Sources said the officer in question is a beat cop assigned to the neighborhood. A CPD spokesperson said the findings of the internal affairs investigation will be presented directly to Supt. Johnson.