Braddock police chief suspended with pay after arrest

The police chief in Braddock has been suspended with pay while an investigation into accusations of domestic violence are investigated, the borough’s mayor said Sunday.

Guy Collins, 59, was arrested Saturday and is charged with simple assault.

“We are investigating this to the fullest potential because we take domestic violence allegations very seriously,” Braddock Mayor Chardae Jones said.

Sgt. Clarence Gunter will supervise the department during the investigation, Jones said.

“He’s been with Braddock P.D. for quite some time and has the knowledge and leadership skills to ensure that safety and order is kept in the community during this time and beyond,” Jones said.

Pittsburgh Police responded to Collins home in East Liberty at 12:23 a.m. Saturday after a fight was reported inside. A woman at the home who identified herself as Collins’ girlfriend said Collins grabbed her and threw a kitchen chair during the incident, according to court papers. She had a small cut on her bottom lip and the chair did not hit her, police said.

Collins told investigators that they were arguing because he was upset that his girlfriend left their daughter at a babysitter’s home. Police said Collins admitted to grabbing his girlfriend during the argument and pushed her to prevent her from hitting him, according to the complaint.

He is free on nonmonetary bail. A preliminary hearing is set for Nov. 12. Collins did not have an attorney listed in online court records. A phone number for him could not be located.