An Ohio man is awaiting a verdict after a day at a New Jersey beach ended with his arrest on criminal mischief, disorderly conduct and defiant trespass charges.
It all started when Charges Placa, 59, his wife and their 24-year-old daughter, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair, arrived in Bradley Beach in July.
The consulting engineer from Milford, Ohio, tried to get the key for the wheelchair ramp so he could wheel his daughter onto the sand.
The Asbury Park Press reported Placa on Thursday testified he went to a beach hut, opened the door and asked for the key.
The cashier working in the hut, Vivian Cytryn, 72, testified she thought Placa was breaking in.
"I was petrified," she said. "I had money in there. I thought he was coming in to rob me."
Cytryn testified Placa never asked for any money.
Cytryn said she told him to get out and directed him to a window outside, through which she gave him the key before calling police.
Placa testified he was handcuffed in front of his daughter.
The judge gave attorneys three weeks to submit summations and said he would then reach a verdict.
