• Franklin Township police sergeant Kevin Bollaro charged with misconduct for allegedly delaying response to shooting reports on August 1
• Prosecutors say Bollaro stopped at an ATM and pizzeria instead of immediately responding to 911 calls about gunshots and screaming
• The incident turned out to be a double murder in Pittstown, about 60 miles from Manhattan

PITTSTOWN, N.J. (TDR) — A New Jersey police sergeant has been charged with official misconduct after prosecutors say he stopped at an ATM and pizzeria instead of immediately responding to 911 calls reporting a shooting that turned out to be a double murder.

Franklin Township police sergeant Kevin Bollaro was the on-duty officer on the evening of Aug. 1 when police received multiple 911 calls reporting gunshots and screaming in Pittstown, according to Hunterdon County prosecutor Renée Robeson’s office.

Alleged delays during critical response

Prosecutors allege that Bollaro failed to immediately respond to the emergency calls and did not properly investigate the reports of gunfire and distress. Instead of proceeding directly to the scene, the sergeant allegedly made personal stops at an ATM and a pizzeria while residents waited for police assistance during a life-threatening situation.

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The location of the reported shooting is approximately 60 miles from Manhattan in central New Jersey, an area that typically experiences low crime rates. The severity of the incident — ultimately determined to be a double homicide — made Bollaro’s alleged conduct particularly egregious in the eyes of prosecutors.

Official misconduct charges filed

Bollaro now faces charges of official misconduct, a serious offense for law enforcement officers that involves using their position to commit unlawful acts or failing to perform required duties. The charge carries significant legal consequences for police officers, including potential prison time and the permanent loss of law enforcement credentials.

Robeson’s office has not released additional details about the double murder victims or whether the delay in police response affected the outcome of the incident. Investigators are examining whether Bollaro’s alleged actions compromised the crime scene or hindered the initial investigation.

Community trust and accountability

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The case highlights ongoing concerns about police accountability and response times during emergencies. When residents call 911 reporting gunshots and screaming, they expect immediate law enforcement response — not delays while officers conduct personal business.

Franklin Township has not publicly commented on Bollaro’s employment status or whether he remains on the force. Police departments typically place officers on administrative leave pending the outcome of criminal charges, though policies vary by jurisdiction.

The Hunterdon County Prosecutor’s Office continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding both the double murder and Bollaro’s alleged failure to respond appropriately. Prosecutors will need to prove that Bollaro knowingly neglected his duties and that his actions constituted criminal misconduct rather than poor judgment.

Bollaro is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He has not publicly commented on the charges, and it’s unclear whether he has retained legal representation. A court date has not been announced.

The incident raises questions about supervision and accountability within the Franklin Township Police Department, particularly regarding how on-duty officers are monitored during emergency responses.

Should police departments implement real-time GPS tracking for officers responding to emergency calls?

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