In a tragic incident in Queens, New York, NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, aged 31, was fatally shot during a routine traffic stop by a man identified as Guy Rivera, a 34-year-old with a history of criminal activity. The confrontation occurred near 19-19 Mott Ave. in Far Rockaway, where Diller, alongside his team, attempted to apprehend Rivera from the passenger seat of the stopped vehicle.
Officer Diller, a dedicated policeman with three years of service and a father to a 1-year-old boy, was critically injured after being shot in the stomach. Despite the immediate response and medical attention provided, Diller succumbed to his injuries at Jamaica Hospital. The NYPD and the community mourn the loss of Diller, hailed as a hero for his commitment to public safety and remembered for his ultimate sacrifice.
The shooter, Rivera, known for his extensive criminal record including 21 prior arrests, was also injured in the incident when Diller’s partner retaliated, hitting Rivera in the back. Rivera is currently in stable condition at Jamaica Hospital. Alongside Rivera, the driver of the vehicle, Lindy Jones, aged 41 and also with a criminal background, was implicated in the situation.
The tragic event has sparked an outpouring of grief and solidarity within the NYPD and beyond, with NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban, Mayor Eric Adams, and others expressing their condolences and emphasizing the bravery and dedication of Officer Diller. The incident has reignited discussions on the dangers law enforcement officers face and the ongoing issue of recurrent offenders contributing to violence in the community.
As the investigation continues, the law enforcement community and the city of New York stand united in their grief over the loss of Officer Jonathan Diller, whose legacy as a devoted officer, husband, and father will not be forgotten.