A well-respected and ‘polite’ Bondi local who allegedly tried to go for a swim amid COVID-19 restrictions has been taken down by police in a dramatic arrest that’s sparked outrage within the community. 

Dimitri Moskovich, one of Sydney’s eastern suburb’s most recognisable residents, was handcuffed and taken away in a police van on Sunday.

The 54-year-old is accused of walking through a fenced-off area near Ben Buckler Point and ignoring signs saying the area was closed due to social distancing measures.

‘Police attempted to speak to the man, however walked away. As police approached him again it is alleged he became quarrelsome and argumentative,’ a NSW Police statement read.  

Dozens of shocked locals watched on and filmed Mr Moskovich – wearing nothing but his signature red budgie smugglers – being arrested by two police officers.

Dozens of shocked and concerned locals watched on and filmed Dimitri Moskovich, one of Sydney's eastern suburb's most recognisable residents, being arrested by two police officers

 Dozens of shocked and concerned locals watched on and filmed Dimitri Moskovich, one of Sydney’s eastern suburb’s most recognisable residents, being arrested by two police officers

Locals pleaded with police not to use handcuffs and let him walk with them to keep his 'dignity'

Locals pleaded with police not to use handcuffs and let him walk with them to keep his 'dignity'

Locals pleaded with police not to use handcuffs and let him walk with them to keep his ‘dignity’

In the dramatic footage, Mr Moskovich was held down on the grass while the officers attempted to move his arms behind his back to handcuff him

In the dramatic footage, Mr Moskovich was held down on the grass while the officers attempted to move his arms behind his back to handcuff him

In the dramatic footage, Mr Moskovich was held down on the grass while the officers attempted to move his arms behind his back to handcuff him

In the dramatic footage, Mr Moskovich was held down on the grass while the officers attempted to move his arms behind his back to handcuff him. 

‘Just cooperate with us okay?’ the female officers told Mr Moskovich, who called out to onlookers to film the incident. 

‘Dimi, we’re not going anywhere. We’re here,’ one bystander assured Mr Moskovich. 

The two officers continued to try and handcuff Mr Moskovich, who defiantly clenched his hands together at his stomach to avoid being cuffed.

‘Please guys, just stop. I’m not doing anything wrong,’ he begged police. 

‘You started harassing me. You started with me about nothing. 

‘I’ll come with you to the police station but I’m not giving you my arms.’

Locals pleaded with police not to use handcuffs and let him walk with them to keep his ‘dignity’. 

The two officers continued to try and handcuff Mr Moskovich, who defiantly clenched his hands together at his stomach to avoid being cuffed

The two officers continued to try and handcuff Mr Moskovich, who defiantly clenched his hands together at his stomach to avoid being cuffed

The two officers continued to try and handcuff Mr Moskovich, who defiantly clenched his hands together at his stomach to avoid being cuffed

Mr Moskovich was arrested and taken Waverley Police Station and is currently assisting with inquiries

Mr Moskovich was arrested and taken Waverley Police Station and is currently assisting with inquiries

Mr Moskovich was arrested and taken Waverley Police Station and is currently assisting with inquiries

‘He’s not going anywhere, he’s a local,’ a supportive onlooker told the officers, who were on top of Mr Moskovich. 

‘He’s the most well-known guy in Bondi. Just let him walk with you, he’ll walk with you.’

‘Just let him chill for a minute, he’s not going anywhere,’ another said.

A young boy then tried to convince police that Mr Moskovich meant no harm: ‘He’s a local, he’s always at the gym.’

But the male officer continued to pin his knee into the back of Mr Moskovich’s leg while demanding ‘give me your arm’.

Mr Moskovich is famous among the Bondi community, and is often seen working out on the famous promenade's outdoor gym

Mr Moskovich is famous among the Bondi community, and is often seen working out on the famous promenade's outdoor gym

Mr Moskovich is famous among the Bondi community, and is often seen working out on the famous promenade’s outdoor gym 

Police eventually managed to handcuff Mr Moskovich before putting him in the back of their vehicle.

He was arrested and taken to Waverley Police Station and is currently assisting with inquiries.

Bondi Beach has been closed since March 21 after large crowds failed to heed social distancing regulations put in place by the Australian Government to slow the spread of COVID-19. 

The arrest has caused uproar among the community, who say police acted ‘aggressively’ toward the well-respected local. 

‘Disguising conduct by the male officer. The man is clearly stating that he will cooperate and not acting aggressive in any way, shape, or form,’ one person said.

‘The male police officer should be trained to de-escalate situations, not provoke them,’ said another.  

‘The guy is not even moving and look at the cop’s knees… that is completely unacceptable and can happen to anyone.’ 

However some viewers defended the police’s actions in arresting Mr Moskovich.

‘I think the cops could have handled it better, but the guy is clearly not cooperating,’ one person commented.

Mr Moskovich is famous among the Bondi community, and is often seen working out on the famous promenade’s outdoor gym. 

 

 

 

 

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