Bradley Beach Police Chief Leonard Guida is set to retire this Friday, bringing an end to his tenure six months earlier than initially planned, according to official statements. This accelerated retirement follows a wave of criticism sparked by the release of bodycam footage depicting a heated altercation between Chief Guida and one of his subordinate sergeants.
The controversy erupted after local news outlet TAPinto published bodycam video of an incident that occurred on November 9th. The footage shows an apparently intoxicated Leonard Guida approaching the scene of a drunk driving accident. In the video, Guida is seen swaying and stumbling as he confronts and berates his own sergeant, Sgt. William Major.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office promptly launched an investigation into Chief Leonard Guida’s conduct that night. Subsequently, the borough placed the police chief on administrative leave from his $202,000-per-year position. It has become clear that the events of that evening have effectively brought an end to Guida’s career in law enforcement.
Bradley Beach Police Chief Leonard Guida, pictured amidst controversy, will retire earlier than planned following an incident captured on bodycam footage.
Mayor Larry Fox issued a statement on Monday confirming the upcoming retirement. “[The prosecutor’s] report is complete, and actions have been taken based upon the recommendations from the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office,” Fox stated. He also acknowledged Guida’s long service, adding, “I’d like to thank Chief Guida for his 40+ years of service to our borough. Under his leadership, our community has become a much safer place to live.”
However, this announcement comes on the heels of the explosive body camera footage going public. The video captured the tense exchange between Leonard Guida and Sgt. William Major, which escalated into a physical confrontation. The argument began when Chief Guida questioned Sgt. Major about the condition of his jacket.
“Why you got a jacket on that’s not fit to be worn?” Guida is heard asking on the recording. “Get rid of it. That’s ridiculous. You’re a sergeant, for God’s sake.”
When Sgt. Major removed the jacket and moved towards the damaged vehicle, Chief Guida continued to pursue the matter, calling Sgt. Major back. Upon being ignored, Guida followed and attempted to grab the sergeant’s arm.
“Don’t you touch me!” Sgt. Major exclaimed, reacting to Guida’s approach. Major then grabbed the swaying Chief Guida by his lapels and pushed him onto the hood of a nearby police cruiser. “Don’t you f–king touch me! You have a problem? You grabbed me! Now get out of here, before you get a problem.”
Following this, Sgt. Major lifted Leonard Guida off the car hood and pushed him away, audibly muttering that his superior was “drunk again,” according to the video evidence.
Leonard Guida’s four-decade career with the Bradley Beach Police Department is ending under a cloud of controversy after the release of bodycam footage.
Throughout the encounter, Leonard Guida, appearing unsteady and disoriented, attempted to suspend Sgt. Major at the scene. However, it was Guida himself who faced suspension in the aftermath of the confrontation. Sgt. Major has since been reinstated and returned to active duty.
In the video, Guida is heard instructing other officers to “take him in,” referring to Sgt. Major. Major responded by urging Guida to leave the scene, stating, “Chief, get out of here, or you’re gonna’ get locked up. Chief, you’re gonna’ get locked up. You’re grabbing me, I asked you three times to leave me alone. You’re obstructing my DWI … You grabbed me. You were out of line. It’s on video. I’m not going to argue.”
Chief Leonard Guida, seen here in a still from the bodycam footage, appeared disoriented during the incident, leading to his suspension and early retirement.
Despite Leonard Guida’s attempt to suspend Sgt. Major immediately, the situation ultimately led to Guida’s own suspension. While Guida remained on leave, Sgt. Major was returned to his duties.
Public outcry in the seaside town of Bradley Beach, located near Asbury Park, quickly followed the release of the video. Residents voiced strong demands for Leonard Guida’s removal.
The confrontation between Chief Leonard Guida and Sgt. Major, captured on bodycam, sparked public outrage and calls for accountability.
Beth Keppler, a local resident, initiated an online petition, stating, “We believe that his continued presence in this position is detrimental to our police force, our community’s well-being and our trust in law enforcement.” The petition further criticized Mayor Fox and the town’s administration for a perceived lack of transparency in handling the situation.
Keppler asserted, “This lack of transparency undermines public confidence and erodes the very fabric of democratic governance.”
Leonard Guida arrived at the accident scene in civilian clothing, further fueling questions about his conduct and judgment on the night of the incident.
Several borough council members echoed these concerns, as reported by TAPinto. One council member stated the mayor “kept the Council in the dark regarding in this investigation,” while another suggested Mayor Fox had overstepped his authority by solely managing the decision concerning Leonard Guida’s future.
Council President Jane DeNoble expressed the council’s frustration, stating, “Despite all of the Council’s efforts to communicate, Mayor Fox and his administration have ignored our numerous requests for an Executive Session to review the prosecutor’s report and to participate in the decision process.” She concluded, “Clearly, Mayor Fox has no intention to include the Council in making decisions and once again, we the taxpayers will have to foot the bill.”
Mayor Fox has not yet responded to requests for comments regarding these allegations and criticisms surrounding Chief Leonard Guida’s retirement and the handling of the preceding investigation.
