Bellefontaine Police Sergeant Bradley Staley has been placed on administrative leave after an OVI incident early Thursday morning.
According to the Logan County Sheriff’s Office, they were called to the Bellefontaine Police Department( BPD) just after midnight.
They were contacted by supervisors of the BPD, who said that Sergeant Staley was pulled into the office (while on patrol) on suspicion of being intoxicated.
Upon their arrival, deputies met with Staley and other police.
Police told deputies that they were concerned about Staley’s sobriety while on duty, and said they smelled the odor of alcoholic drinks coming from him.
Deputies noted they could also smell alcoholic beverages coming from Staley and went on to perform field sobriety tests, which he failed.
Deputies then administered Staley a breath test, in which he blew a .116, nearly two times the legal limit.
While Staley was on duty, he was also carrying two firearms, and a third was in his patrol car.
According to a witness, Sergeant Staley smelled of alcoholic beverages when he arrived at work, and he acted differently as well.
He was very talkative and joking around more than usual, and was very clumsy.
It was also reported that as Staley left the station in his patrol car, he backed out of his parking spot and hit a curb.
The case has been forwarded to the Logan County Prosecutor’s Office for review.
Charges may include operating a vehicle while impaired (OVI) and weapons under disability, as Ohio law prohibits intoxicated individuals from carrying firearms.
According to a press release from Bellefontaine Police Chief Chris Marlow:
“During the early morning hours of April 24th (2025), the Bellefontaine Police Department Administration became aware that a Sergeant with our 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. The Sheriff’s Office conducted a field sobriety test and a subsequent breathalyzer test on the Sergeant, which confirmed that he was under the influence. The criminal investigation is ongoing, and formal charges, including operating a vehicle impaired (OVI) and others, are expected.
As a result of this incident, Sergeant 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.
We are deeply disturbed and disappointed in the actions of this officer. 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 women 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, in February, Sergeant Staley was awarded the Medal of Merit for his work during a standoff in 2024 in Lakeview.
Sergeant Staley has been an officer with the Bellefontaine Police Department for 10 years.
