NJ Officer Stopped at ATM and Pizzeria Instead of Investigating Double-Murder

A shocking case of police misconduct has emerged from Franklin Township, New Jersey, where a sergeant is facing criminal charges after allegedly prioritizing personal errands over responding to a double-murder scene. Franklin Township Police Sergeant Kevin Bollaro has been charged with official misconduct and tampering with public records after prosecutors say he stopped at an ATM and spent nearly two hours at local restaurants instead of properly investigating 911 calls reporting gunshots and screaming on August 1, 2025.

The Night That Changed Everything: August 1, 2025

On the evening of August 1, multiple 911 calls flooded the Franklin Township Police Department dispatch center. Concerned neighbors in Pittstown, approximately 60 miles from Manhattan in central New Jersey, reported hearing gunshots and a woman screaming. As the on-duty officer, Sergeant Kevin Bollaro was immediately dispatched to investigate these urgent reports.

However, according to Hunterdon County Prosecutor Renee Robeson's office, Bollaro's response was anything but urgent. GPS data and surveillance footage revealed that instead of racing to the scene, the 25-year veteran officer drove nearly two miles in the opposite direction to a TD Bank ATM in Clinton Township.

A Timeline of Neglect: Personal Errands Over Public Safety

The investigation revealed a disturbing pattern of behavior throughout Bollaro's shift that night. While dispatchers continued to relay additional 911 calls from frightened neighbors, the sergeant proceeded toward the locations without activating his vehicle's emergency lights or sirens—standard protocol for responding to reports of gunfire.

When Bollaro finally arrived at the location of the first 911 caller, he reported to dispatch that he "didn't hear anything" and claimed he would continue checking the other reported locations. However, GPS tracking data tells a different story. Prosecutors say Bollaro never actually visited those additional locations before requesting to be cleared from the scene.

The Pizza Stop That Lasted Nearly Two Hours

Instead of conducting a thorough investigation, evidence shows Bollaro headed straight to Duke's Pizzeria in Pittstown, where he remained for approximately one hour. Witnesses later reported seeing him park and enter another local establishment, the Pittstown Inn restaurant, where he stayed for roughly another hour.

Even more troubling, GPS data revealed that Bollaro spent approximately five consecutive hours—from 11:27 PM until 4:33 AM—at Locust Grove Cemetery during his duty shift, with no law enforcement activity recorded during this entire period.

The Tragic Discovery: Two Lives Lost

The following day, August 2, the bodies of Lauren Semanchik, 33, and Tyler Webb, 29, were discovered in a home roughly 600 feet away from the location of the first 911 caller. The veterinarian and volunteer firefighter had been shot to death by New Jersey State Police Lieutenant Ricardo Santos, Semanchik's ex-boyfriend, who subsequently took his own life.

The proximity of the crime scene to where neighbors reported hearing gunshots and screaming raises haunting questions about whether a proper immediate response could have made a difference. The victims' families have expressed they are "shocked at Sgt. Bollaro's egregious conduct" and believe it represents "the tip of the iceberg of the many failures by the local and state police" in this tragedy.

Falsifying Records: The Cover-Up Attempt

Adding to the severity of the charges, prosecutors allege that Bollaro submitted a false incident report about his activities that night. In his official report, he claimed to have "checked the area along Upper Kingtown Road again and was unable to locate the source of the shots" and stated he "cleared the scene after approximately 20 minutes."

These statements directly contradicted the GPS and surveillance evidence, which showed that during the timeframe he claimed to be canvassing the area, Bollaro was already en route to the pizzeria. This discrepancy led to the additional charge of tampering with public records for knowingly making false entries in his incident report.

The Legal Consequences and Defense Response

Bollaro has been placed on administrative leave since August 2 and now faces two serious charges: official misconduct for knowingly refraining from performing his police duties, and tampering with public records. He is scheduled to appear in court on November 5, 2025.

His attorney, Charles J. Sciarra, released a statement defending his client, asserting that "nothing Kevin Bollaro did or did not do that day impacted or could have stopped" the killings. Sciarra also noted that shooting calls are "a regular occurrence in this community" and emphasized that his client "has faithfully served that community for nearly 25 years."

Broader Implications for Law Enforcement Accountability

This case has reignited discussions about police accountability, proper response protocols, and the importance of technology in oversight. The fact that GPS tracking and surveillance footage were instrumental in revealing the truth underscores how modern technology can serve as a check on potential misconduct.

Law enforcement experts emphasize that responding to reports of gunfire requires immediate action, especially when multiple 911 calls are received from different sources. The standard protocol includes activating emergency lights and sirens, conducting thorough area searches, and maintaining constant communication with dispatch.

Community Response and Public Trust

The Franklin Township community has been shaken by these revelations. Residents who depend on their local police for protection are grappling with questions about whether they can trust officers to respond appropriately during emergencies. The case has sparked conversations about the need for stronger oversight mechanisms and accountability measures within small-town police departments.

Frequently Asked Questions

What charges is Sergeant Bollaro facing?

Sergeant Kevin Bollaro is facing two charges: official misconduct for knowingly refraining from performing his police duties, and tampering with public records for making false entries in his incident report.

How did investigators discover what really happened?

Investigators used GPS tracking data from Bollaro's police vehicle and surveillance footage from various locations, including the ATM and restaurants he visited, which contradicted his official written report.

Could a faster response have saved the victims?

This remains unclear. While Bollaro's attorney claims nothing could have stopped the killings, the victims' families believe proper investigation might have made a difference. The victims were found just 600 feet from where gunshots were reported.

How long had Bollaro been a police officer?

Sergeant Kevin Bollaro had served the Franklin Township community for nearly 25 years before this incident occurred on August 1, 2025.

When is Bollaro's court appearance scheduled?

Bollaro is scheduled to appear in court on November 5, 2025, to face the charges of official misconduct and tampering with public records.

What happened to the perpetrator of the double murder?

New Jersey State Police Lieutenant Ricardo Santos, who killed Lauren Semanchik and Tyler Webb, died by suicide after committing the murders. He was Semanchik's ex-boyfriend.

What This Case Means for Police Reform

The Bollaro case serves as a stark reminder of why technological oversight measures like GPS tracking in patrol vehicles and body cameras are essential tools for ensuring police accountability. While the vast majority of law enforcement officers serve with honor and dedication, cases like this demonstrate the critical need for systems that can verify officer conduct during emergencies.

As this case moves through the court system, it will likely influence discussions about police protocols, response requirements, and the consequences for officers who fail to fulfill their sworn duties. The outcome may set important precedents for how similar cases are handled in the future.