Cops nearly choked man to death over $12 beach admission pass even though he had it on him

August 23, 2024 Gloria Shaw

A surfer’s day at the Jersey Shore took a shocking turn when he was placed in a chokehold and thrown to the ground by police after allegedly failing to display a beach access pass on his wetsuit, despite having it attached to his bag, according to witnesses and video footage.

The incident, which occurred on Belmar Beach, involved 28-year-old Liam Mahoney from Junction City, California. In the video, Mahoney can be heard repeatedly insisting, “Bro, I have a badge!” as police officers restrained him.

A woman nearby, clad in a bikini, can be heard shouting, “His badge is right here!” and questioning the officers, “Why are you arresting him?”

As the situation escalates, Mahoney points out that his beach pass is on his bag. However, when he appears to attempt to move away from the officers, one of them places him in a chokehold and tackles him face-down into the sand, the footage shows.

The arrest unfolded in front of several beachgoers, including children, near a shoreline walkway. Some onlookers can be heard protesting the police’s actions, with one yelling, “Get off of him!” and another noting that the incident was frightening children.

Ultimately, Mahoney was taken away in handcuffs by at least four officers.

Witness Austin Downs captured the encounter on video and shared it on Facebook, describing the arrest as a result of “Mahoney not displaying a beach badge on his wetsuit, even though it was attached to his beach bag.”

Downs noted that the officers used a chokehold and force to subdue Mahoney.

The exact circumstances leading up to and following the recorded footage remain unclear. However, Belmar Police Chief Tina Scott acknowledged the video circulating on social media and confirmed that Mahoney was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of justice.

He was also issued a ticket for not having the required $12 beach badge, which is mandatory for access to some New Jersey beaches.

Chief Scott stated that a thorough review of the arrest would be conducted in line with New Jersey Attorney General guidelines.

The Surfrider Foundation’s Jersey Shore chapter described the arrest as “a disturbing incident” but refrained from outright condemning the officers’ actions, noting that they lacked information about the events leading up to the video.

The group emphasized their belief that “surfing is not a crime” and that beaches should be “public resources that are open, free, welcoming to, and safe for all people.”