Cincinnati police on Thursday identified the man they say shot an employee of a sports bar owned by former pop star Nick Lachey early Thanksgiving morning.
Lavoris Hightower, 36, has been charged with attempted murder, felonious assault, weapons under disability, and tampering with evidence, according to Fox 19.
Cincinnati police are asking local residents for help in locating Hightower. He is considered armed and dangerous and the public is urged not to approach him.
Authorities are offering a $5,000 reward.
Police say Elizabeth Richardson, 27, was shot in the face by Hightower at around 3am Thanksgiving Day while she was working at Lachey’s Bar.
Lavoris Hightower (left), 36, has been charged with attempted murder, felonious assault, weapons under disability, and tampering with evidence. He is wanted for the shooting of Elizabeth Richardson (right), 27, early Thanksgiving morning in Cincinnati
A message posted to Facebook on Wednesday gave an update on her condition. ‘We wanted everyone to know that Ellie is doing fantastic!’ the Facebook post read
On the night of the shooting, Richardson was working as a manager at Nick Lachey’s bar in Cincinnati
After the shooting, police circulated this image of a van caught on surveillance. It is believed to be the van driven by Hightower on the night of the shooting
After the shooting, Lachey took to social media and asked the public to ‘help us find some justice’ after Richardson. Lachey’s bar is seen in the file photo above
After the shooting, Lachey took to social media and asked the public to ‘help us find some justice’ after Richardson, who works as a manager at his Cincinnati bar was shot.
Local police believe Hightower was driving a van and shouting obscenities at her at the time of the incident, according to WLWT-TV.
Investigators believe that Richardson walked toward the van to confront Hightower.
‘There is a $5,000 reward to help us get Hightower arrested and off of our streets,’ said Hamilton County prosecutor Joseph Deters.
Richardson was taken to University of Cincinnati Medical Center for injuries that were not life-threatening. Her condition is said to be improving
Richardson has a three-year-old son and was recently engaged to be married, according to police
‘Ellie is the brightest light and she will find a way to shine through this darkness,’ Nick Lachey tweeted hours after the shooting on Thursday morning
Anyone with information on the shooting is asked to contact Crime Stoppers at 513-352-3040
‘First, Hightower nearly runs Ms. Richardson over with his car, and then he shoots her – unbelievable.
‘Cincinnati has worked very hard to improve the area where the shooting occurred.
‘This type of heartless act has the potential of ruining years of progress. He needs to go to jail for a long time.’
Richardon sustained injuries to her face and jaw and was listed in stable condition, according to a YouCaring crowdfunding page that was set up to help her recovery.
A message posted to Facebook on Wednesday gave an update on her condition.
‘We wanted everyone to know that Ellie is doing fantastic!’ the Facebook post read.
‘The swelling has subsided drastically, and the bruising around her eyes is nearly gone.
‘The surgeons are confident she is progressing well enough to continue her recovery from home for the next few days.
‘We will continue to update on Ellie’s condition, including the upcoming surgery next week to repair her cheek bone, eye socket and a few other fractures.
‘Thank you again for your unwavering support.’
Lachey’s Bar was started by former 98 Degrees boy band member Nick Lachey and his brother, Drew Lachey.
‘Ellie is the brightest light and she will find a way to shine through this darkness,’ Nick Lachey tweeted early Thursday morning.
‘Anyone with any information, help us find some justice.’
The Cincinnati Police Department said to call Crime Stoppers at 888-352-3040 with any tips on Hightower’s whereabouts.