CAPE MAY, NEW JERSEY — This incident caused considerable tension in the seaside resort town of Cape May. In its wake, Lower Township Police Department's Chief of Police William Mastriana issued, in part, the following statement: "On May 16, the Lower Township Police Department responded to the Sunset Beach Gift Shop, located at 502 Sunset Blvd, Cape May Point. This response was based on multiple anonymous tips received that both the business and miniature golf course were operating in violation of the governor’s COVID-19-related executive orders. Upon arrival, the Lower Township officer located the owner of the business and advised him that he was there based on anonymous tips that the store and golf course were open in violation of the executive orders. The owner said he believed that his business could open because he sold, what he considered to be, essential products, as defined by the executive order. After receiving this information, the officer walked through the store to see whether the products being sold would meet the definition under the executive order. The officer contacted the Cape May County Prosecutor’s Office and advised of the facts surrounding the complaint. In accordance with the governor’s COVID-19 executive order, the officer was advised that the gift shop did not meet the requirements to remain open as a walk-in business, but could remain open for curbside service and the miniature golf course could not remain open. The officer, in a sympathetic manner, relayed this information to the owner, and the officer politely advised the customers that the store would have to close and that they would have to leave the premises after completing their purchases. The customers on the golf course were advised that the golf course was closing, but they could finish their games. While the officer was carrying out his duty, the owner and his adult son became very agitated and responded negatively to the officer, including insulting him in public, which lead to a brief exchange of words outside of the business. This, in turn, caused the officer to tell his son that if he did not calm down and stop interfering with his ability to communicate with his department that he would be arrested for disorderly conduct. No summons was issued. It was clear that the owners of the business were blaming their frustration with being unable to remain fully open on the officer and the situation became very contentious. During this entire incident, the officer continued to explain to the owner and his son that this was not a decision made by him, he was simply enforcing the executive order, and he understood their frustration. After review of the body camera the officer was wearing, it was evident that he did everything he could to deescalate the situation while carrying out his sworn duties. We all realize that these are very trying and difficult times for everyone. This was a very unfortunate situation that nobody wanted to be in, but as police officers, we have a sworn duty to uphold the laws given to us." Real World Police attempted to contact the owner of the Sunset Beach Gift Shop to hear his version of events. There was no answer at their main phone number, however we would like to include their perspective and invite anyone affiliated with the Sunset Beach Gift Shop to contact us. ~~~ /r/realworldpolice (New!) @realworldpolice ~~~ Real World Police is a proud supporter of The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, which provides pro bono legal representation, amicus curiae support, and other legal resources to protect the First Amendment freedoms and the news gathering rights of journalists. ~~~ Do you have independently verifiable inside information on a story we are or should be covering? Email tips@realworldpolice.com. Your identity will not be revealed without your consent. Because we receive dozens of tips daily we cannot respond individually to every submission. If we need more information from you someone will be in touch. Remember: we don't publish footage that has already been published elsewhere. Please don’t send links to news articles. Found an error in a story? Email corrections@realworldpolice.com ~~~ Want to help make Real World Police happen and get rewarded for it? Become a Sergeant on Patreon today! Sergeants get access to: -A growing library of more than sixty exclusive full-length Real World Police videos -The Roadcam series -Supporting documentation: police reports, court records, and other investigatory material -Material from cases not shown on the main channel, like the arrest of Chris Hansen and the detention of T-Pain by TSA. -Early access to some videos -And more! Get your fix today! https://patreon.com/realworldpolice Rather not? No sweat! There are more than 500 free videos to enjoy ✌️