Investigation into May 6 incident ongoing
by James McEvoy, Managing Editor
BORDENTOWN TOWNSHIP — Township Mayor Stephen Benowitz has said there was no breach in security that led to Chief Frank Nucera sustaining non-life threatening injuries on May 6 at the municipal building when his gun went off, wounding him in the leg.
"While we cannot comment on any specifics regarding Chief Nucera’s injuries due to the ongoing investigation, we have been assured that there is nothing to indicate any breach of security or there are any new security measures that need to be implemented as per the Burlington County Prosecutors office," Mayor Benowitz said in a statement.
"The safety of our employees and our residents is a priority and Bordentown Township was among the very first municipalities to implement metal screening for all who come to the municipal building, in the same manner as security screening is done at federal, state and county offices," he added.
He also said they are happy that the chief, who he said is resting at home, is recovering.
"(Chief Nucera) has been in touch with township officials by telephone and is keeping abreast of township business, the mayor said. "I have spoken with him on a daily basis. He is a dedicated employee and he hopes to return to work, on at least reduced number of hours, in another week, after he is cleared by his physicians."
The mayor’s statement came days after Joel Bewley, public information officer for the Burlington County Prosecutor’s Office, confirmed that the chief has been discharged from the hospital, but said he couldn’t comment on the investigation as it is ongoing.
"The investigation has not yet concluded so there are no more details about the discharge of the firearm that can be divulged at this time," Mr. Bewley said. The incident took place on May 6 at 3:45 p.m. Tuesday at the tax collector’s office in the municipal complex.
Mr. Bewley said previously that a juvenile accompanying a parent who was in the office on township business might have been responsible for the weapon discharging.
"It appears that the juvenile may have been responsible for the discharge of the firearm, but our office is investigating that," he previously told The Register News, noting that only one shot was fired.