Woman Shot, Kidnapped, Driven to NJ on Christmas Eve, Feds Say

A Georgia man has been charged with allegedly kidnapping his former girlfriend around Christmas Eve and transporting her to New Jersey without her consent after shooting her in his car.

37-year-old Jovan Young is facing one count of kidnapping and one count of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition. Following an initial court appearance in Newark federal court, he was ordered detained.

Feds: Shooting Happened During Holiday Trip

Federal authorities said on or about the evening of December 24th, 2025, Young and the victim, who had been traveling from Georgia to New York to celebrate Christmas with the victim's family, got into an argument while they were driving in his car in New York.

Young allegedly pulled out a gun and shot the victim in her abdomen, paralyzing her. He then transported the victim from New York to New Jersey without her consent. He trapped her in his vehicle for several hours after the shooting before leaving her on the side of a road in the Denville, Morris County, area, where she was later found by law enforcement.

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Arrest Made on Christmas Day

Following Young's arrest on Christmas Day, officials said he was found to have a firearm with a green laser that matched the victim's description of the gun that he used to shoot her.

Suspect Facing Potential Life Sentence

If convicted, the unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition charge could send Young to prison for up to 15 years; he could be sentenced to life behind bars on the kidnapping charge. Both are also punishable by a $250,000 fine.

The public is reminded that charges are accusations and all persons are considered innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.

Chris Coleman is a South Jersey native and has been a cornerstone of the Atlantic City radio market since 1998. He serves as Brand Manager for WPG Talk Radio 95.5 and afternoon on-air personality for Cat Country 107.3. A five-time President's Circle award winner and Townsquare Media's 2024 Content Creator of the Year, Chris covers news, events, and stories of interest across Southern New Jersey. Story tips: chris.coleman@townsquaremedia.com