Witness Austin Downs defended the surfer, stating, "A local surfer was arrested at Belmar Beach for not displaying a beach badge on his wetsuit, despite having the badge attached to his beach bag. During the arrest, officers placed him in a chokehold and threw him to the ground."
The police interaction escalated with bystanders questioning the necessity of force, as one woman yelled, "Are you gonna get 10 more cops, and another cop car, to do what?" illustrating the public's disbelief at the situation.
Belmar Police Chief Tina Scott acknowledged the situation, commenting on the video by asserting that Mahoney was charged with disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstruction of justice.
During the intense encounter, a bystander exclaimed, "get off of him!" as the police effort frightened nearby children, highlighting the public concern during the arrest.
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