Police are looking for a 37-year-old man who allegedly shot his wife twice at their Bronx home while their two young children slept upstairs Christmas morning, authorities say.

Officials say Rafael Herrera allegedly shot his 27-year-old wife in the arm and neck on the first floor of their home on East 220th Street shortly before 10 a.m. and fled. He is believed to still be in possession of the firearm, according to police.

The victim's brother, Sergio Saavedra, said Herrera seemed quiet during a family celebration Christmas Eve, but apart from that, nothing seemed wrong. He said his 27-year-old sister had asked Herrera for a divorce several weeks ago, and he believes that is what sparked the confrontation.



The woman was taken to a hospital in stable condition. She is expected to be OK. No other injuries were reported.



Police say the couple's two children, ages 8 and 10, according to the Daily News, were home at the time of the shooting, but on a different floor of the house. Authorities tell NBC 4 New York the children had been sleeping and awoke to the sound of gunfire. They are with family as police search for their father.



