Frank Halat

Status:

Open

Jurisdiction:

Bloomingdale Police Department (NJ)

Offense Location:

Bloomingdale, New Jersey

Reward:

up to $10,000 via The Frank Halat Memorial Reward Fund

Not from STC, Conditions and restrictions apply

Summary:

On April 1, 2011, 79-year-old Frank Halat, affectionately known as "Frank the Barber," was found unconscious and severely beaten inside his barbershop on Main Street in Bloomingdale. Despite medical intervention, he succumbed to his injuries four days later. The case remains unsolved, with no arrests made to date but authorities continue to seek information that could lead to an arrest and conviction.

Vital Statistics

Circumstances of Offense:

Halat was discovered face-down and unresponsive on the floor of his barbershop by a customer. He had sustained significant head trauma. His wife reported that approximately $100 was missing from the shop, suggesting a possible robbery motive. Despite initial investigative efforts, including interviews and evidence collection, no suspects were identified.

Additional Details:

In 2015, the Passaic County Prosecutor’s Office submitted evidence to the New Jersey State Police laboratory for DNA testing in an effort to move the investigation forward. However, the analysis identified only Frank Halat’s DNA, and no unidentified profiles were found, resulting in no new leads. Frank Halat was a respected member of the community, known for his friendly demeanor and dedicated service as a barber since 1988. He proudly served in the Korean War and was actively involved with the Pompton Lakes VFW. After retiring from NJ Transit following 35 years of service, he pursued his dream of opening a barbershop. Halat cherished time with his family, often inviting them for haircuts and sharing moments at Shellbay Campground during the summers. ​ In honor of his memory, the community held a ceremony renaming a portion of Main Street to "Frank the Barber Boulevard." Family members and local officials gathered to celebrate his life, with performances and tributes highlighting his impact on the community. ​

Case Last Updated:

Apr 30, 2025