A routine night on Main Street in Bradley Beach turned into a heated altercation on November 9, 2023, when Police Chief Leonard Guida engaged in a confrontation with Sergeant William Major at an active accident scene. Eyewitnesses, including other officers and bystanders, witnessed the escalation from a uniform detail admonishment to a physical confrontation, resulting in Major’s suspension and an ongoing investigation.
The incident, captured on body cameras obtained through an Open Public Records Act request, unfolded during a significant traffic accident. Chief Guida arrived at approximately 10:30 p.m., dressed casually, and approached Sgt. Major about a uniform detail issue. Despite Major’s attempts to return to the accident scene, Guida persisted, leading to a verbal exchange and eventually a physical altercation.
At one point, the sergeant was heard saying, “He’s drunk again.”
Tensions escalated rapidly when Guida attempted to grab Major’s arm, resulting in Major pushing Guida backward and pinning him to a police cruiser hood. Major, asserting he was on duty for a DWI, continued to resist Guida’s demands. Eventually, Guida suspended Major and initiated an investigation into the incident, leading to Guida’s placement on paid administrative leave and Major’s return to full-time duty. Requests for additional footage and surveillance videos related to the Bradley Beach Police Department’s interactions are pending.