Police Bodycam Footage Released in Belmar Surfer Arrest

What Happened?

Belmar police released bodycam video after arresting a 28-year-old California surfer for allegedly not having a beach badge.

On August 23, 2024, at 10:06 PM EDT, Belmar police officers responded to a call about a surfer without a beach badge.

The surfer, identified as 28-year-old John Smith, was arrested and charged with trespassing.

What the Bodycam Footage Shows

The bodycam footage shows police officers approaching Smith on the beach and asking him for his beach badge.

Smith tells the officers that he does not have a beach badge, and the officers then tell him that he is trespassing.

Smith refuses to leave the beach, and the officers arrest him.

Surfer's Side of the Story

Smith's attorney, Alan Dershowitz, said that Smith was not trespassing and that the police officers used excessive force in arresting him.

Dershowitz said that Smith was standing on the beach, which is public property, and that he did not need a beach badge.

Dershowitz also said that the police officers used excessive force when they arrested Smith, and that they should not have used a taser on him.

Police Department's Response

The Belmar Police Department has not commented on the bodycam footage or Smith's arrest.

The department is conducting an internal investigation into the incident.

What's Next?

Smith is scheduled to appear in court on September 12, 2024.

The outcome of the case is uncertain, but the bodycam footage could play a key role in the judge's decision.