A courtroom drama unfolded in New Jersey, following an arrest involving a surfer from last summer. The incident began when the surfer was prompted by a police officer to show his beach badge – a proof of payment to the municipality, which funds beach maintenance, lifeguard wages, etc.
Liam Mahoney, a 29-year-old Californian, was surfing 19th Avenue in Belmar on August 30th, when he was approached by officer Ryan Braswell, and asked to present his beach badge. Mahoney was at the edge of the water, holding his longboard at the time. An argument ensued, Mahoney was tackled to the sand, handcuffed, and put into a police vehicle.
The entire incident was captured on body cam footage, and released publicly. See below.
In a statement, Belmar Police Chief Tina Scott said Mahoney “was not arrested for not having a beach badge. He was arrested because he obstructed the officer’s investigation by refusing to give his identification or pedigree information. [He] was told approximately nine to 10 times to place his hands behind his back, but he continued to resist preventing Officer Braswell from handcuffing him.”
The video shows officer Braswell say, “You take another step, and you’re going to be arrested.”
“For surfing?” Mahoney replies. “I’m not doing anything wrong. I’m in the ocean.”
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Most New Jersey municipalities require beach badges for summer, and they range in price from $50 to $200 for the entire season.
Apparently, Mahoney did have a beach badge – he was borrowing one from his sister. Although he didn’t have one on his person, as he was surfing at the time. In court, to address the arrest, Mahoney explained that he was going “full commando.” He added: “I didn’t have it on me when I was surfing,”
After a back-and-forth in court, according to local news, eventually Mahoney took a plea deal in the case. He will enter a diversion program and pay fines. If he completes the program, the charges – which include disorderly conduct, obstruction, and resisting arrest – will be dismissed.