During the early morning hours of September 14, 2021, Mantua Township Police received a 911 call for a report of a burglary in progress involving two or three suspects, with one suspect being armed with a handgun. Corporal Robert Layton arrived first on the scene and was confronted with a man armed with a gun. At that point the armed man pointed a gun at Corporal Layton. Corporal Layton gave loud and clear verbal commands to the suspect to drop his weapon which were ignored. Corporal Oldrati was then confronted by the same male, who was now pointing the gun at him.
At that point, Corporal Oldrati had no other recourse but to make a split-second judgement call to stop the suspect’s threat in order to protect his own life along with Corporal Layton’s. Furthermore, a .45 caliber replica handgun with a loaded magazine was recovered next the body of the individual who pointed the gun at the officers. Corporal Oldrati than began life-saving measures on the suspect. The man was transported to the local hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Shortly after the shooting, an investigation was completed by the New Jersey State Police Shooting Response Team along with the Attorney General’s Office. Once the investigation was completed, a meeting was held with a liaison from the Attorney General’s Office along with the Mantua Township Police Department. Corporal Oldrati was cleared to return to work and did so just weeks later in October 2021. Corporal Oldrati was cleared by law enforcement officials following this critical incident, his actions were deemed lawful and justifiable. According to the Mantua Township Use of Force Policy, Volume 1 Chapter 12, pages 7 through 10 states; “The officer(s) shall not return to regular duty until approval has been granted by the Chief of Police. This decision will be made through consultation with representatives of the Gloucester County Prosecutors Office, NJ Attorney General’s Office and the officer(s) involved.” The investigation also revealed the 911 call for armed perpetrators breaking into the shed and vehicle was unfounded. It was later determined that the 911 caller was Charles Sharp III, the homeowner who called 911 with a fictitious story.
In May of 2023, TWENTY MONTHS after returning to full patrol duty and promoted to Corporal, Salvatore was frivolously indicted and charged with one count of 2nd Degree Reckless Manslaughter by the Attorney General’s Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA). The OPIA has the power not to pursue an indictment based on their own AG directive, Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) Section VIII Dismissals on State’s Motion: Section A: Indictment lacking probable cause to support criminal charges.
Almost two years after the incident, Corporal Oldrati was wrongfully indicted by a manipulated grand jury with exculpatory evidence purposely withheld. If there was any reason to believe Corporal Oldrati was reckless or at fault, he wouldn’t have been permitted to return to work and immediately arrested**. An autopsy and toxicology report revealed high levels of methamphetamine, amphetamine and cocaine.** The medical examiner stated Mr. Sharp was apparently suffering from a psychiatric illness, drug intoxication and possible PTSD. He further explained that based off of his injuries he came at police with a gun. Several of Salvatore’s rounds struck him in the hand holding the gun pointing it in his direction. The grip of the gun also sustained damage. Furthermore, Mr. Sharp weapons were previously seized due to suicidal ideations and attempted suicide. His ex-wife statement to the detectives from the AG’s Office and State Police Shooting team, supports our son’s reasonable actions and she blames her ex-husband, Charles Sharp, for his reckless behavior. She gives in depth accounts of his decade’s long battles with suicidal ideations, and alcohol and drug abuse, in which she kept a detailed journal.
May 2025, two years after his indictment and being suspended without pay, he is still waiting for a trial date. The mental and financial struggles this has placed on him, his wife and our entire family. Sal struggles daily with the thoughts of being taken away from his wife who is currently expecting their second child in September and their young daughter for doing what he was trained to do. Salvatore acted as any reasonable person would have when faced with a firearm pointing in their direction.
How can you support them?
- As Salvatore has been suspended without pay, please consider making a donation to support his family. Funds are being used for basic living needs including health insurance
- While he awaits a trial date, please share this story with friends and family to further support them.
