Posted on 08/27/2024 5:12:20 PM PDT by Twotone
28-year-old surfer Liam Mahoney was arrested on the beach in Belmar, New Jersey on Tuesday, August 20th and was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and obstruction of justice. Videos of the arrest went viral and there was massive public outcry about “beach badge” requirements for surfers at Belmar’s beaches. Beach badges are required for admission to Belmar’s beaches. They cost $12 per day and seasonal badges are available for $80.
It was first reported that Mahoney was arrested for not having his “beach badge” but Belmar Police have made a statement to the contrary:
“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. Mr. Mahoney was also advised he was not free to leave and continued to walk away during this encounter.”
The Belmar Police Department released body worn camera footage of the arrest and full press release detailing what lead up to Mahoney being tackled to the ground, handcuffed and escorted off the beach.
Officer Braswell of The Belmar Police Department body worn camera recording:
(Excerpt) Read more at unofficialnetworks.com ...
He should have claimed he was an illegal immigrant, and then they would have treated him much better
Probably a fine for dog paddling, too.
I go to JS about every other year.. Dont mind paying the fee. It pays for lifeguards, restrooms, beach cleaning, showers.
Dumbass got what he deserved.
“Pedigree information” made me think of those mutts on the Jersey Shore TV show.
Pedigree?!!! WTF
NJ cops are some of the worst.
So you are just saying you don’t pay enough taxes in New Jersey.
“NJ cops are some of the worst.”
New Jersey Turnpike cops especially.
IMHO, if the surfer would have produced his beach badge instead of being an asshole, things would have ended differently. Play stupid games, win stupid prizes.
And THAT is why many of us go only to the free beaches.
I believe the term “pedigree” in this context means: “Where is the guy from, and does he belong here?”
The whole purpose of these access restrictions in those towns is to keep their beaches from being overrun by Third World mutants from New York City and the urban dumps of northern New Jersey.
No beach badge? Off with his head!
Don’t cops have like real crimes to investigate?
LOL. Exactly what the word "pedigree" would have meant to me, too.
Oh. These nice officers want to know my genealogy? Okay, then. It all began when my great grandfather boarded a ship bound for Ellis Island...
Also, if a cop has reasonable cause to ask for ID, you must give it to them or they can detain you for up to 72 hours until they ascertain if you are wanted for anything.
I’m from the House of Stuart of Ireland. I am 9,946th in line to the throne.
I think the point Bigbob was making is that the Miranda Rights don’t cover answering who you are or your address. Miranda kicks in when you are under custodial interrogation.
Yes, but I was simply pointing out that being a PITA can be more trouble than its worth. If you don’t give your name and address, because you didn’t do anything, the officer only needs to demonstrate to the court that he had cause to detain you. That’s basically a truck sized loophole to the benefit of the officer.
“He was arrested because he obstructed the officer’s investigation by refusing to give his identification or pedigree information.”
What was the officer investigating? It is my understanding a person going about their business and not engaging in behavior that rises to the level of being criminal is under no obligation to provide identification to a police officer.
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