Belmar police officers arrested a 28-year-old surfer for allegedly failing to display a required beach badge.
The unusual incident occurred on Wednesday, August 21, at Belmar Beach's 19th Avenue, a popular New Jersey surf spot, and was captured on video before being shared widely on social media.
According to witnesses, Liam Mahoney, a resident of Junction City, California, had just finished his surf session when he was approached by police officers.
The officers questioned him about his beach badge, a pass required to access Belmar beaches during certain hours.
Mahoney and a woman at the scene insisted that the badge was attached to his beach bag, though it was not displayed on his wetsuit.
Tensions escalated, and the situation quickly turned physical.
In the video, Mahoney is seen trying to explain his side, but officers attempt to handcuff him.
When Mahoney resists, an officer places him in a chokehold, and within moments, the surfer is pinned to the ground with a knee to the back of his head.
Onlookers can be heard shouting in protest, with one woman pleading, "Get off of him!" and expressing frustration at the police's aggressive tactics.
Police and Public Reaction
Following the incident, Belmar Police Chief Tina M. Scott released a statement acknowledging the video and confirming that Mahoney was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of justice.
He also received a ticket for violating the beach badge ordinance.
Chief Scott emphasized that the department would conduct a "thorough review of the circumstances of the arrest" in line with guidelines from the New Jersey Office of the Attorney General.
The incident sparked a significant backlash on social media, where many users criticized the police's actions as excessive.
Comments overwhelmingly sided with Mahoney, questioning the necessity of the arrest for what many perceive as a minor infraction.
"Even if he didn't have the badge, could this not be solved with a warning or a ticket? Seems overkill to arrest the guy," one user commented.
Another resident expressed discomfort with the police's response, saying, "This is disgusting. Even if he didn't have his badge, just give him a fine. No need to manhandle the guy."
Broader Implications
The Surfrider Foundation also weighed in on the incident.
While the organization refrained from commenting on the specifics due to limited information, it expressed concern over the rough handling of the situation and reiterated that "surfing is not a crime" and that beaches should be "open, free, welcoming to, and safe for all people."
The enforcement of beach badge requirements, a practice dating back to the 1930s in New Jersey, has long been a contentious issue.
Critics argue that the system, which charges $12 per day for beach access, is outdated and unfairly penalizes individuals for minor oversights.
Supporters, however, maintain that the revenue generated from badge sales is essential for maintaining beach facilities and services.
Beach badges are necessary to enter Belmar beaches from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays and from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends and holidays.