BELMAR, NJ – In response to public concern and circulating misconceptions, Belmar Police Chief Tina Scott has issued a statement and video regarding the arrest of a surfer on Belmar Beach on Tuesday, August 20th . The incident, which involved local surfer Liam Mahoney and Officer Braswell, has sparked widespread attention after video footage of the arrest surfaced online.
Chief Scott emphasized that the arrest was not due to Mr. Mahoney’s failure to possess a beach badge but rather stemmed from his refusal to cooperate with the officer’s investigation. According to the body-worn camera footage reviewed by Chief Scott, Officer Braswell initially approached Mr. Mahoney during a routine check for daily and seasonal beach badges after receiving multiple complaints about surfers entering the beach illegally across the dunes.
Scott stated, “During the week, officers received multiple complaints regarding surfers illegally entering the beach across the dunes. The gate attendants requested these surfers to show their beach badge, however, their requests went ignored. On this date, the officers who were assigned to the beachfront conducted a check for daily and seasonal badges.”…