Belmar police release video showing moments leading up to controversial arrest of surfer
The body camera video comes from arresting Officer Ryan Braswell. It appears to show Braswell asking Liam Mahoney, 28, to show his beach badge and for Mahoney to identify himself.
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Belmar police have released officer body camera video showing the moments leading up to the arrest of a surfer they say refused to show his beach badge to patrolling officers. Video of the arrest posted on social media is facing some backlash from the public.
The body camera video comes from arresting Officer Ryan Braswell. It appears to show Braswell asking Liam Mahoney, 28, to show his beach badge and for Mahoney to identify himself.
Mahoney is heard refusing to show off his badge. The officers then ask Mahoney to drop his surfboard, which he refuses to do. Mahoney is then seen trying to walk away. He is told that he is not free to go, according to the video.
A video taken by witness Austin Downs shows the moments after the surfboard is knocked out of Mahoney’s hands and appears to show him getting slammed to the ground by Braswell. Mahoney is then led off the beach in handcuffs.
"To be clear, Mr. 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,” Belmar Police Chief Tin Scott wrote in part.
Mahoney was charged with obstruction, disorderly conduct and resisting arrest.
An arraignment date has been scheduled for Sept. 11.
Belmar police say the entire incident remains under investigation, including the officers’ conduct during the arrest.
