Nick Lachey Appeals to Public for 'Justice' for Employee Shot in the Face

Elizabeth “Ellie” Richardson was leaving her job at the bar, Lachey’s, early Thursday when someone in a black van shot her.

Nick Lachey has taken to social media to ask the public for help in getting justice for an employee of his Cincinnati sports bar, who was shot in the face on Thanksgiving.

Elizabeth “Ellie” Richardson was leaving her job at the bar, Lachey’s, early Thursday when someone in a black van nearly hit her, police told WKRC-TV.

Words were believed to have been exchanged, and then someone from inside the van called out to Richardson, Cincinnati Police Sgt. Steve Saunders told WCPO-TV.

As the 27-year-old mother approached the vehicle, she was shot in the face, authorities said.

Richardson was rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries to her face and jaw.

She is in stable condition, but has a long road to recovery, her family said.

“It's still unclear how long she'll be in the hospital and what her recovery process will entail,” they said on a YouCaring fundraising page.

All money collected through the page will go toward Richardson’s medical expenses and to help support her family until she’s able to work again, the page said.

Lachey shared the campaign on Twitter on Friday, writing: “Please help Ellie and her family get through this most difficult time.”

He also appealed to anyone who may know something about the attack, writing: “Ellie is the brightest light and she will find a way to shine through this darkness. Anyone with information, help us find some justice.”

Police said the suspect is a man in his 20s with gold-rimmed glasses and a light beard.

Lachey and his younger brother, fellow 98 Degrees band member Drew Lachey, opened Lachey’s in 2015 in their hometown.

Drew Lachey also took to social media to ask anyone with answers regarding the incident to come forward.

“As some of you may have heard, Ellie was the victim of a vicious assault. If u have any info about it please contact the authorities or u can help her on her recovery by donating. Thank you and please keep her in your prayers," he wrote on Twitter.

As of Sunday, Richardson’s YouCaring page had more than $23,000 of its $50,000 goal.

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