Officials weigh in on 2 back-to-back Allentown deadly shootings, as two are jailed without bail | Allentown Area

ALLENTOWN, Pa. – Two men are dead, and two more are in custody after two separate shootings in the city of Allentown Monday night.

Officials say while both happened in nearby neighborhoods — and within just more than an hour’s time of one another — they do not appear to be related.

“We are frustrated whenever this type of violent activity occurs,” Mayor Matt Tuerk (D-Allentown) said.

Not one, but two Allentown neighborhoods within 10 minutes of each other are reeling from deadly gun violence.

“Resulting in the arrest of both shooters, they’re both in custody, both arraigned,” District Attorney Gavin Holihan (R-Lehigh County) said.

Officials are still investigating, but say so far the two shootings do not appear to be related.

The first happened just before seven p.m. Monday night on West Gordon Street.

The Lehigh County Coroner says 59-year-old Allentown man, Mark Little, died from multiple gunshot wounds.

Officers found 14 shell casings nearby.

“It is unfortunate,” Holihan said, “it’s tragic when you see these types of incidents.”

39-year-old Abdidahir Nieves was arrested after officials said 911 and other witnesses’ descriptions matched surveillance video, including what was described as a man seen near the shooting wearing a yellow ski mask.

Police also found a 9-millimeter handgun with bullets matching those shell casings inside Nieves’ apartment.

According to the affidavit, Nieves’ mother identified the male wearing the yellow mask as her son.

Then, just more than an hour after that first shooting, officers found a second shooting victim around South Front and East Cumberland streets.

41-year-old Jaroe Perry, from South Whitehall Township, also died. He was also found with multiple gunshot wounds.

Following multiple witness accounts of a man — this time in all black — police arrested 44-year-old Barret Griggs.

One witness placed the accused and the victim arguing inside a home ahead of the shooting. That witness said Griggs ran back inside, returned with a gun, and began firing at the victim, according to court papers.

Court papers say officers went to speak with Griggs in his holding cell. According to the affidavit, Griggs said, “No ifs, ands or buts about it, I did it. I just want to know if he is alive.”

Officials say they believe they have all suspects in custody and don’t believe there is danger to the public at this time.

Both Mayor Tuerk and DA Holihan credit officials working together as well as involvement from the community to solve the crime.

“Two in one night,” Holihan said. “These are families that have been impacted by the violence; it is gratifying in a small way, the cooperation that we get from the community.”

“The best deterrent we have for criminal activity for those would-be criminals,” Tuerk said, “is to know that if you commit a crime in Allentown, we are going to catch you and make sure that you see justice.”