Drunk Police Chief Slammed Onto Hood of Car by Sergeant in Bradley Beach

Around 10:24 on November 9, 2023, Patrolman Sean Johnsen with the Bradley Beach Police Department responded to the scene of a motor vehicle collision involving a 2021 Mazda 3, 2008 Ford Escape, and 2019 Kia Sorento on Main Street in front of Riley Park. Upon arrival, he made contact with the 62-year-old driver of the Mazda 3, who was identified as Kenneth Winnik. It was apparent that the driver was going southbound on Main Street, and he failed to maintain lane and drifted, causing the accident.

As he was speaking with Kenneth, Patrolman Johnsen detected the odor of alcohol and asked Kenneth if he had been drinking. Kenneth did not seem to recall what happened. First responders arrived on scene shortly afterwards to evaluate the driver. Sergeant William Major arrived on scene around 10:39 PM, and Chief Leonard Guida also arrived on scene in an apparent state of inebriation. Chief Guida admonished Sergeant Major for his jacket, and he told the Chief that he was part of a DWI investigation.

As the Chief continued to intervene, a physical altercation ensued. In an apparent act of self-defense, Sergeant Major slammed Chief Guida onto the hood of a car. Detective Gregory Pancza witnessed the incident, and Patrolman Sean Johnsen went to speak with the Chief. After a brief interaction, Sergeant Major instructed Patrolman Johnsen to let him go. Chief Guida proceeded to tell Sergeant Major that he was “suspended” and that he had to return to police HQ. Sergeant Major told the other officers to move their cars to ensure the safety of the other people at the scene and returned to police HQ, which was less than a block from the scene of the incident. Following the incident, Chief Guida was initially placed on paid administrative leave, and eventually allowed to retire.

Kenneth was placed into an ambulance and taken to Jersey Shore Medical Center for further evaluation. He initially consented to provide blood samples for testing, but he later refused. Kenneth was charged with the following: Operating under the influence, consent to take samples of breath, reckless driving, traffic on marked lanes, no liability insurance coverage on motor vehicle, and open container of alcohol

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