Body cam footage released of surfer's arrest in New Jersey that went viral

The body-worn camera recording shows that the offender, later identified as Liam Mahoney, was approached by officers during this stop. When asked for his badge, he replied: “I don’t need one.” Officer Braswell then pointed out the specific state and local laws that require Mr. Mahoney to wear a badge and he was not exempt. Officer Braswell then asked Mr. Mahoney for his identification in order to issue him a citation. Mr. Mahoney again refused to give his information and walked away.

At this point, Mr. Mahoney was told he was not allowed to leave and he continued walking. Officer Braswell then told him that if he did not cooperate, he would be arrested. Mr. Mahoney continued walking while Officer Braswell followed him. When Officer Braswell caught up to Mr. Mahoney, he was asked multiple times to drop his surfboard, which he refused to do. Officer Braswell then took the surfboard from Mr. Mahoney so he could be arrested.

Mr. Mahoney was asked to place his hands behind his back approximately nine to ten times, but he continued to resist Officer Braswell's attempt to handcuff him. Officer Braswell continued to talk to Mr. Mahoney in an attempt to de-escalate the situation and avoid further physical contact. Mr. Mahoney continued to not cooperate with Officer Braswell, who then took him to the ground to gain control of his arms and arrest him.

To be clear, Mr. Mahoney was not arrested for not having a beach tag. He was arrested for hindering the officer's investigation by refusing to give his identification or ancestry information. Mr. Mahoney was also advised that he was not allowed to leave, and he continued to walk away during this encounter.

The District is aware of some misconceptions about the law that were already circulating prior to the incident in question, but that have apparently gained even more prominence since then. According to

NJSA 40:61-22.20 All municipalities bordering the Atlantic Ocean have the right to charge reasonable fees for the maintenance of beaches and bathing areas and for the provision of facilities and safety for users of such areas. This applies without regard to the right of access under the Public Trust Doctrine, and the obligation to pay a fee applies to all persons not otherwise subject to the exceptions to the Act. Surfers are not included in the exceptions.

The circumstances of the arrest will be thoroughly investigated in accordance with established policies of the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) of the State of New Jersey.

Attached: Belmar Police Department body-worn camera footage of Officer Braswell.

Chef Tina Scott

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