Emergency Services Personnel to Search for Missing Person in Montgomery Township on Thursday

By Barbara A. Preston | Posted January 3, 2024 (updated at 11 pm)

Jacob O. Abdelshahid, 20, who was last seen on Christmas day in Montgomery Township, is still missing as of Wednesday, police said. He was last seen during the overnight hours of Monday, December 25, in the area by Carrier Clinic near East Mountain Road and County Route 601.

A $5,000 reward has been offered for anyone who can provide valuable information that leads to locating him, according to a missing person poster being circulated by Abdelshahid's family.

Montgomery Township Police emailed the following Nixle alert at 5:50 pm this evening:

There will be a large presence of emergency services personnel in the area of East Mountain Road and Route 601 in Montgomery Township on Thursday, January 4, during the daytime hours related to an on-going missing person investigation.

Abdelshahid is 5’9” and 170 pounds. He was wearing a green bomber-style jacket, black or dark blue pants, and white sneakers. Abdelshahid does not have his phone or wallet with him. He is a resident of Avenel, NJ. Anyone with information is asked to please contact Montgomery Police at 908.359.3222.

His father, Sam Newman, has set up a GoFundMe page to help pay for a private detective.

"Despite the efforts of the police, we have yet to uncover any leads about [Jacob's] whereabouts," Newman says on GoFundMe. "The uncertainty and fear are overwhelming, and as a parent, I am desperate to bring him back home."

"In an attempt to explore every avenue available, I am considering hiring a private detective. Unfortunately, the costs associated with this are beyond my current financial means. This is why I am humbly seeking your support through this GoFundMe campaign."

Newman had raised $10,525 of his goal of $50,000 as of Wednesday night.

"Every contribution, no matter the amount, will make a significant difference in our ability to hire a professional who can aid in the search for Jacob," Newman says. "If you are unable to contribute financially, your thoughts, prayers, and words of encouragement are equally appreciated."