ALLENTOWN, N.J. — An Allentown man is in custody after allegedly shooting a woman in the head at her home on New Year’s Eve, an incident that has left the victim hospitalized and her young son in need of support, according to police and those close to the family.
The Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office and Allentown Police Department confirmed the shooting occurred in the vicinity of Johnson Drive. Authorities issued a shelter-in-place alert that night as they sought to locate the suspect. He was later apprehended. and police had assured the public that there is no further threat.
The victim, identified as Nikki by a family friend, sustained a graze wound to the head and is expected to make a full recovery, though she remains hospitalized awaiting additional scans. Her 6-year-old son, Sagan, was home at the time of the shooting but was unharmed.
In a statement, Prosecutor Raymond S. Santiago and Allentown Police Chief Daniel Panckeri said the investigation is being handled by the Monmouth County Prosecutor’s Office Major Crimes Bureau and local law enforcement.
Family friends are rallying to support Nikki and Sagan, who now face financial difficulties due to medical bills, rent, food, and other essential needs. “Anything you can afford would be greatly appreciated,” wrote Suzy, a friend of the family, in a public plea for assistance on GoFundMe.