Man Dragged by Park Police, Arrested for Nudity at Gay NYC Beach (Video)

A gay photographer was dragged through the sand, carried by only his towel, as he was arrested at Jacob Riis Beach in New York City on Independence Day.

Bystanders filmed Krys Fox as he was carried away by four United States Park Police officers and put into the back of a National Parks police vehicle.

Fox can be heard screaming "Help me," urging bystanders to "keep filming."

The section of the beach Fox was frequenting is a known favorite spot for members of the LGBT community. On the Fourth of July, pride flags were flying and and a large group of beachgoers had gathered to soak in the sun.

Earlier in the day, United States Park Police had appeared in helmets and on horseback on this section of the beach and some officers questioned patrons as they relaxed in the sun. However, as the day progressed, the peaceful atmosphere of the crowded beach was shattered as officers dragged Fox from the premises with only his towel.

Fox told The Advocate that he is "a crying mess" today, following the incident. He hopes to be able to speak more about his experience a bit later.

One of Fox's friends, Shelton Lindsay, was shocked to learn of the arrest, explaining that Fox is "one of the sweetest and kindest people I know."

Speaking with DNA Info, Fox said he was arrested for nudity when his towel fell from his body as he took a photo.

"They shoved my face in the sand in front of hundreds of people, I was humiliated," he told DNA Info. "I got an arm around my neck and they threw me to the floor and was literally surrounded by like 11 cops.

"They didn't read me my rights, they handcuffed me."

A spokeswoman for the National Parks Service told DNA Info that Fox was not cooperating with police when they approached and asked for his identification. Fox told the news outlet that he tried to explain to officers that his wallet had recently been stolen at Pride and they got "violent."

He was charged with disorderly conduct and public nudity and told DNA Info the beach he loved, where he got married, is now ruined for him. "I won't be able to go back without feeling sick," he said.

Fox told the news outlet that he was detained in the Park Service station at Floyd Bennett Field in Brooklyn for three hours. He said officers teased him while he was under arrest and then released him, explaining they'd mail him papers later informing him of his court date.

Today, Fox posted a photo on Facebook with his eyes covered by the American flag. "I'm still an American. And I still love my country," he wrote, "No matter what. But I'm going offline for a while::: I'm overwhelmed and need to rest.."

Watch video of Fox's arrest.