SUFFIELD, CT – The acting chief of the Suffield Volunteer Fire Department and his two adult sons have been arrested following allegations that the trio attacked a man during a confrontation sparked by suspicions of a romantic relationship.
According to police, John Guzie Sr., 52, is accused of directing his sons, John Guzie Jr., 25, and Tanner Guzie, 23, to assault the man outside a West Suffield home on the evening of August 8. The incident reportedly unfolded after Guzie Sr. arrived at a residence he co-owns with a local emergency medical technician and became upset over her interactions with the male victim.
Authorities said the dispute began as a group of people—three members of Suffield Emergency Medical Services and the victim—relaxed by the pool at the home. The woman, who lives at the residence with Guzie Sr., had stepped away to speak with him after he accused her, police allege, of being intimate with the victim. Following this confrontation, she returned to the pool visibly shaken, telling friends that Guzie Sr. believed she was involved with the man.
Police statements detail that the conflict escalated when the woman, reportedly intoxicated, vomited near the pool area. While Guzie Sr. had left the scene at that moment, his sons arrived soon afterward, confronting the group gathered outside.
In their account, investigators say tempers flared when John Guzie Jr. swung a golf club in a threatening manner and exchanged heated words with the male victim. The situation intensified further after Guzie Sr. returned to the property in a fire department vehicle and, according to witnesses, ordered his sons to physically confront the man.
Guzie Jr. and his brother Tanner allegedly responded immediately, launching a physical assault that left the man with blows to his head and face. As the altercation unfolded, the homeowner—who attempted to intervene—was also reportedly struck several times.
After the attack, all three men are accused of leaving the yard together. Authorities say Guzie Sr. had moved out of the shared residence just a week prior to the incident, though the reason remains unclear.
Records indicate that months before the altercation, Guzie Sr. contacted local police seeking advice on how to remove someone from the pool area at the same address. Investigators say he identified the male victim as the person in question during that earlier call.
The Suspect Fire Captain, now on personal leave from his position, faces charges including third-degree assault, conspiracy to commit assault, and disorderly conduct. John Guzie Jr. is charged with conspiracy to commit assault, two counts of third-degree assault, second-degree threatening, second-degree reckless endangerment, and disorderly conduct. Tanner Guzie has been charged with conspiracy to commit assault, third-degree assault, and disorderly conduct.
The investigation remains active, and officials have not disclosed whether further action may be taken in the case. No serious injuries were reported at the scene, and all involved parties have since been interviewed by law enforcement.