Rehoboth Police report first man cited for lacking face mask was uncooperative and provided false ID

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City of Rehoboth Beach photo.
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Rehoboth Beach Police say the first facemask citation since the beach and boardwalk reopened involved a Lancaster, PA man who falsely identified himself. 

The incident generated controversy on social media and stoked concerns about  heavy-handed enforcement.

According to officers, the incident marked the first citation issued since the latest modification of the emergency declaration that led to the opening of the beach and boardwalk in the city. 

“Unfortunately, for those involved, this incident was widely circulated on social media resulting in multiple inquiries to the police department,” officers stated. 

The department reported that around 12:30 p.m. a seasonal cadet standing at the Delaware Avenue entrance to the Boardwalk, near Funland, saw a 56-year-old Lancaster, PA man approaching the boardwalk without a face covering.

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The cadet informed the man that he was required to wear a face-covering on the boardwalk. The man reportedly told the cadet that he would have to make him comply.

The officer attempted to stop the man who walked toward the beach.  The officer remained on the boardwalk for a brief period talking with  other individuals who were now upset and yelling at the man about his failure to comply with the mask regulation.

A full-time officer arrived and accompanied the cadet onto the beach where they located the Lancaster man. 

Officers attempted to obtain the man’s identification and were told he did not have an ID.

Officers then asked the man for his name and information and he gave them a false name and state of residency. The man then refused to provide any further information and after numerous warnings was taken into custody and detained.

After multiple requests  taking place over an hour, the man agreed to provide his information, was issued a civil citation, provided a mask, and released.

“The Rehoboth Beach Police would like to thank those individuals who made the effort to seek clarity, as well as, the officers involved who showed tremendous patience in the face of defiance,” officers stated.

In a press briefing Tuesday afternoon, Gov. John Carney said reports from coastal Delaware mayors reported few problems with the use of masks that are required on the boardwalk and recommended on the beach in cases where social distancing is difficult.

 
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