Bradley Beach, NJ – A routine evening on Main Street in Bradley Beach escalated into a physical confrontation between Police Chief Leonard Guida and Sergeant William Major at an active accident scene on November 9. The incident, observed by other officers and bystanders, began as a uniform detail admonishment and quickly intensified into a physical altercation, resulting in Major’s suspension and the launch of an investigation.
The confrontation, recorded on body cameras and released through an Open Public Records Act request, occurred during a significant traffic accident around 10:30 p.m. Chief Guida, dressed in casual civilian attire, approached Sgt. Major to discuss a uniform detail issue.
Despite Major’s efforts to focus on the accident scene, Guida’s persistence led to a verbal exchange that escalated into a physical confrontation.
Witnesses reported hearing Sgt. Major accuse Chief Guida of being intoxicated during the altercation. The dispute intensified when Guida attempted to grab Major’s arm, prompting Major to push Guida back and pin him against a police cruiser.
Major, who claimed he was on duty for a DWI case, resisted Guida’s demands, resulting in Guida suspending Major and initiating an investigation.
Following the incident, Guida was placed on paid administrative leave, and Major was reinstated to full-time duty. Further requests for footage and surveillance videos concerning the Bradley Beach Police Department’s interactions are currently under review.