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Surfer attacked and arrested because of beach badge

It started with a check of the beach markers.

A dispute developed that angered Facebook users.

According to a Facebook post, “a local surfer was arrested at Belmar Beach on 19th Avenue for not wearing a beach badge on his wetsuit, even though the badge was attached to his beach bag,” Austin Downs wrote on Facebook. “During the arrest, officers placed him in a chokehold and threw him to the ground.”

A two-minute video has also been posted. Warning, some expressions are not suitable for all age groups.

When the video began, the man was already handcuffed. After a few minutes of conversation, officers grabbed the man and held him down while others yelled, “Get off him.”

In the court of public opinion, also known as the social media comment section, most people sided with the surfer.

Beach passes are required to access 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.

Passes are $12 per day for adults over 14. Children under 13 are admitted free. Season passes are available for $80 and $32 for seniors age 65 and older with age identification and for disabled individuals who meet the criteria for a disability.

The video was also posted on Reddit, where few agreed with the decision to arrest the surfer.

“The good old New Jersey tax. Plus, it's against the law to fill up your own tank there,” said one post.

“Even if he didn't have the badge (whatever…), couldn't this be resolved with a warning or ticket? Arresting the guy seems excessive lol,” said another post.

Another user believes there is more to come.

“He must have either done something else illegal or the cops are completely out of pocket and abusing their power to stroke their egos,” wrote one Reddit user.

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