Officers of the Bellefontaine Police Department released a statement Thursday afternoon, April 24, regarding a BPD sergeant who has been placed on administrative leave after an on-duty incident during which the sergeant reportedly was intoxicated.
As a result of this incident, Sgt. Bradley P. Staley was immediately placed on administrative leave and “the city has initiated disciplinary proceedings in accordance with contract to terminate his employment with the Bellefontaine Police Department as soon as possible,” Police Chief Chris Marlow stated in the release.
Sgt. Staley has worked for the department for 10 years, including the last two years as a sergeant.
During the early morning hours Thursday, the Bellefontaine Police Department administration became aware that a sergeant with the agency was on duty and was suspected of being under the influence of alcohol.
Police lieutenants immediately responded to investigate the matter, at which time the suspicions were confirmed.
“Due to the seriousness of the misconduct and the potential of criminal wrongdoing, the Logan County Sheriff’s Office was contacted to initiate an independent investigation,” Chief Marlow said.
According to a report from the sheriff’s office, deputies arrived at the police department about 12:40 a.m. and met with a police lieutenant and Sgt. Staley in the lieutenant’s office.
While speaking with Sgt. Staley, deputies reportedly observed an odor of alcohol on his person, along with slurred speech and bloodshot eyes. He submitted to field sobriety tests, which indicated that he was impaired
Sgt. Staley also submitted to a breathalyzer test, with a reading of 0.116 blood alcohol concentration.
From interviews with other employees, deputies learned that Sgt. Staley had reported for duty that evening and was present for roll call. While speaking with him after roll call, another employee noticed his demeanor was different from his usual self and said he seemed clumsy and his eyes “didn’t look right.”
He was observed getting in his cruiser and then he reportedly hit the curb in the parking lot, according to a witness statement. Employees immediately contacted a supervisor about their suspicions that the sergeant was impaired.
Deputies said while Sgt. Staley was on duty, he was carrying two firearms on his person, and a third was in his patrol car. The criminal investigation is ongoing, and a report has been sent to the Logan County Prosecutor’s Office for potential charges to include operating a vehicle impaired and weapons under disability.
“We are deeply disturbed and disappointed in the actions of this officer,” Chief Marlow said in the release. “This type of behavior is unacceptable and will not be tolerated by the City of Bellefontaine or the Bellefontaine Police Department. We recognize that incidents such as this constitute a breach of public trust, for which there is never an excuse.
“As public servants, we hold ourselves to the highest standards of integrity and trust, and we have fallen short of that in this instance — for that we are deeply sorry. This officer will be held to account for his actions both internally and through the criminal justice system.
“This type of behavior is not reflective mission or our core values, or the many honorable men and woman that protect and serve our community every day. “Our agency will continue to strive to exemplify integrity, pride, service and fairness in our duties as we work to restore your trust in us.”
Earlier this year, Sgt. Staley was honored with a Medal of Merit alongside BPD’s Special Response Team for its role in the extended and violent Aug. 14, 2024, standoff at Indian Lake involving Holley Tolliver. He also was recognized by the BPD in November 2023 following his completion of the Police Executive Leadership College.