Reward Offered for Information in Brutal Beating, Death of 79-Year-Old Barber Shop Owner

The t is offering a reward to anyone who provides information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the 

Frank Halat, the owner of Frank's Barber Shop on Main Street,

Bloomingdale Police Chief Joseph Borell announced the reward Thursday afternoon, but said the actual reward amount has not yet been determined, as several have offered to help contribute.

"Several people already have called and are looking to contribute," he said Thursday afternoon.

Borell said the department is focusing on customers who had been at the barber shop last Friday morning between 8 and 11:20 a.m. At about 11:22 a.m., a customer walked into the shop and  to his head and face, police said.

"We're led to believe there may have more customers who had gotten their haircut that morning," Borell said Thursday. Borell said some customers have already come forward with information about that morning, but he believes there are more out there who have not yet come forward.

Bloomingdale Mayor Jon Dunleavy said the police department has been working diligently on the case. Dunleavy called the incident a "terrible" tragedy that does not reflect the overall safety of the borough.

"This is an isolated, terrible tragedy for the Halat family and our town," the mayor said. "Our police are working diligently, 24 hours per day, on the case. I have complete confidence in our police department and I am extremely grateful and proud of their work and how they are handling this case. Main Street is a safe place to live and shop and our police department has a strong presence on Main Street all through the year."

The mayor also offered his condolences to the family.

On Thursday, some business owners declined to comment on the safety measures they are taking so their safety is not compromised.

Bloomingdale Florist & Gift Shoppe Owner Ed De Vito said he didn't think it was a good idea for business owners to disclose how they felt about the safety of the street because it could make owners vulnerable to more crime. De Vito did say that the police department has consistently done a good job patrolling Main Street.

"They always do their job," he said. "They're doing all they can."

De Vito is planning to put a security system in his shop.

Bloomingdale Recreation Director Gail Galbraith said Thursday that she's instituted a new policy where the door to the Bloomingdale Recreation Center, also immediately adjacent to Frank's Barber Shop, is locked at all times when people are inside.

"My policy is when there's a program going on, the doors are locked," she said.

Galbraith said she has been working at the location on Main Street for eight years and she has never had a problem, but that with more than 80 people using the facility Monday through Thursday, she does not want to take a chance.

In addition to the reward, the department is utilizing an anonymous text messaging service for people to send information through. Borell said all of the messages are funneled through a Canadian company, ensuring complete anonymity and that anyone interested can text a tip, beginning with "MYTIP" in the body, to 274637.

Those wishing to contribute to the reward can visit Lakeland Bank, 28 Main St., in person, or send a check to The Frank Halat Memorial Reward Fund, c/o Lakeland Bank, 28 Main St., Bloomingdale, NJ 07403.

at the from 4 to 9 p.m., and a mass will be held at St. Mary's Church in Pompton Lakes Tuesday at 10 a.m.

Anyone with information on the apparent attack is asked to contact police at 973-838-0158.