Austin Downs Via Storyful

Looks like Jersey Shore cops went way overboard off the boardwalk while patrolling the beach this week … putting an unsuspecting surfer in a chokehold over his lack of proper paperwork.

California surfer Liam Mahoney‘s visit to Belmar Beach Tuesday was not laid-back, as a new video making the rounds online shows him getting into a heated confrontation with police after he failed to display a beach access badge on his wetsuit.

Liam and a woman in his group tried to explain to the officers that he did, indeed, have a badge required to access the beach — it was located on his backpack nearby — but the situation escalated quickly.

Liam was grabbed by officers and taken into a forceful headlock by a much bigger beach cop — 2 of them tackled him to the sand as he tried to leave the beach.

Watch the videos … a number of bystanders try to step in and help the surfer, with several loudly accusing all 5 officers of scaring onlooking children with their aggressive behavior.

Austin Downs Via Storyful

Liam — who’s kinda skinny — was handcuffed and carted away by the cops.

Belmar Police Chief Tina Scott has since addressed the harrowing ordeal … confirming Liam was arrested and charged for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and obstruction of justice. He has also been hit with a fine for allegedly not carrying the $12 beach badge.