NEW YORK CITY, NY- An NYPD officer, Jonathan Diller, a three-year veteran, tragically lost his life in the line of duty during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway, Queens. The incident unfolded on Monday evening, with Mayor Eric Adams confirming the officer's death during a subsequent news conference.
Officer Diller, aged 31, sustained a gunshot wound to the torso, located just below his bullet-resistant vest, during the traffic stop. He was immediately rushed to Jamaica Hospital for treatment, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
The traffic stop was carried out by officers belonging to the NYPD's Critical Response Team at the intersection of 1919 Mott Avenue and Beach 20th Street, around 5:48 p.m. The officers approached a vehicle occupied by two men, later identified as Guy Rivera, 34, and Lindy Jones, 41.
As the officers neared the vehicle, Rivera, seated in the passenger's seat, pulled out a firearm and aimed it at them, initiating a gunfight.
In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, Diller's partner managed to return fire, striking Rivera in the back. Rivera was also transported to Jamaica Hospital for medical attention, where he remains in stable condition under police custody.
Lindy Jones, the driver of the vehicle, was also taken into custody. A firearm was recovered from the scene, which appeared to have jammed after the single shot that struck and killed Officer Diller. Jones was remanded into custody without bail after being considered a flight risk by the judge.
Jones has a criminal history with 14 prior arrests, including a recent gun-related arrest in April 2023 for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He had been released on bail amounting to $75,000 at the time of the incident. His criminal past also includes a 10-year prison sentence for attempted murder and robbery charges, from which he was released in November 2013.
Guy Rivera's criminal record is even more extensive, having been arrested by the NYPD 21 times, with nine of those arrests resulting in felony charges. His previous incarcerations include a nearly five-year stint for criminal sale of a controlled substance, from which he was released in September 2021. Rivera also served three years in state prison for a 2011 assault and was released in October 2014.
The tragic incident has reignited concerns over the criminal justice system's handling of repeat offenders. Both Mayor Adams and Police Commissioner Edward Caban expressed frustration and anger over the repeated arrests and subsequent releases of individuals like Rivera and Jones, labeling it a "recidivist" problem.
"Same bad people, doing bad things to good people, less than a year, he's back on the streets with another gun," Adams said. "The person had a total disregard for the safety of this city. I cannot say it any clearer: it is the good guys against the bad guys. And these bad guys are violent. They carry guns. And the symbol of our public safety, which is that police uniform, they have a total disregard for."
During his tenure, Officer Jonathan Diller made a significant impact in law enforcement, making over 70 arrests. He was a dedicated officer, committed to serving and protecting the people of New York City. Diller resided in Massapequa Park with his wife, Stephanie, and their nearly one-year-old son.
His untimely death has left his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire community in shock and mourning.
The tragic loss of Officer Diller has also drawn responses from political figures and officials. Governor Kathy Hochul released a statement condemning the "senseless" killing and expressing her condolences to Diller's family, loved ones, and the NYPD. She lauded Diller's heroism and service to the city, vowing that his sacrifice would never be forgotten.
"My prayers are with his family, loved ones and the members of the NYPD," stated Hochul. "His heroism and service will never be forgotten."
Mayor Adams echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the division between law enforcement officers and criminals. He discussed the dangerous nature of police work and the sacrifices made by officers like Diller, who put themselves in harm's way to protect the community.
This devastating incident marks the first time an NYPD officer has been killed in the line of duty since 2022, when officers Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera were fatally shot in a Harlem apartment building while responding to a domestic disturbance call.
As the investigation into Officer Jonathan Diller's death continues, the NYPD and the city of New York prepare to bid farewell to one of their finest, facing a challenging week ahead filled with grief and remembrance.
"This family upstairs, a young wife who's devastated. These police officers who packed the halls just lost their brother. Our hero police officer confronted this dangerous individual knowing he was putting himself at risk, knowing he had a family waiting for him at home, but he did it to protect the people of this city," a Police Benevolent Association official said.
Police have said they now believe the suspects were casing the nearby T-Mobile store. The officers approached the vehicle to ask them to move, as they were illegally parked in front of a bus stop.
Officer Diller, aged 31, sustained a gunshot wound to the torso, located just below his bullet-resistant vest, during the traffic stop. He was immediately rushed to Jamaica Hospital for treatment, where he unfortunately succumbed to his injuries.
The traffic stop was carried out by officers belonging to the NYPD's Critical Response Team at the intersection of 1919 Mott Avenue and Beach 20th Street, around 5:48 p.m. The officers approached a vehicle occupied by two men, later identified as Guy Rivera, 34, and Lindy Jones, 41.
As the officers neared the vehicle, Rivera, seated in the passenger's seat, pulled out a firearm and aimed it at them, initiating a gunfight.
In the ensuing exchange of gunfire, Diller's partner managed to return fire, striking Rivera in the back. Rivera was also transported to Jamaica Hospital for medical attention, where he remains in stable condition under police custody.
Lindy Jones, the driver of the vehicle, was also taken into custody. A firearm was recovered from the scene, which appeared to have jammed after the single shot that struck and killed Officer Diller. Jones was remanded into custody without bail after being considered a flight risk by the judge.
Jones has a criminal history with 14 prior arrests, including a recent gun-related arrest in April 2023 for second-degree criminal possession of a weapon. He had been released on bail amounting to $75,000 at the time of the incident. His criminal past also includes a 10-year prison sentence for attempted murder and robbery charges, from which he was released in November 2013.
Guy Rivera's criminal record is even more extensive, having been arrested by the NYPD 21 times, with nine of those arrests resulting in felony charges. His previous incarcerations include a nearly five-year stint for criminal sale of a controlled substance, from which he was released in September 2021. Rivera also served three years in state prison for a 2011 assault and was released in October 2014.
The tragic incident has reignited concerns over the criminal justice system's handling of repeat offenders. Both Mayor Adams and Police Commissioner Edward Caban expressed frustration and anger over the repeated arrests and subsequent releases of individuals like Rivera and Jones, labeling it a "recidivist" problem.
"Same bad people, doing bad things to good people, less than a year, he's back on the streets with another gun," Adams said. "The person had a total disregard for the safety of this city. I cannot say it any clearer: it is the good guys against the bad guys. And these bad guys are violent. They carry guns. And the symbol of our public safety, which is that police uniform, they have a total disregard for."
During his tenure, Officer Jonathan Diller made a significant impact in law enforcement, making over 70 arrests. He was a dedicated officer, committed to serving and protecting the people of New York City. Diller resided in Massapequa Park with his wife, Stephanie, and their nearly one-year-old son.
His untimely death has left his family, friends, colleagues, and the entire community in shock and mourning.
The tragic loss of Officer Diller has also drawn responses from political figures and officials. Governor Kathy Hochul released a statement condemning the "senseless" killing and expressing her condolences to Diller's family, loved ones, and the NYPD. She lauded Diller's heroism and service to the city, vowing that his sacrifice would never be forgotten.
"My prayers are with his family, loved ones and the members of the NYPD," stated Hochul. "His heroism and service will never be forgotten."
Mayor Adams echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the division between law enforcement officers and criminals. He discussed the dangerous nature of police work and the sacrifices made by officers like Diller, who put themselves in harm's way to protect the community.
This devastating incident marks the first time an NYPD officer has been killed in the line of duty since 2022, when officers Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera were fatally shot in a Harlem apartment building while responding to a domestic disturbance call.
As the investigation into Officer Jonathan Diller's death continues, the NYPD and the city of New York prepare to bid farewell to one of their finest, facing a challenging week ahead filled with grief and remembrance.
"This family upstairs, a young wife who's devastated. These police officers who packed the halls just lost their brother. Our hero police officer confronted this dangerous individual knowing he was putting himself at risk, knowing he had a family waiting for him at home, but he did it to protect the people of this city," a Police Benevolent Association official said.
Police have said they now believe the suspects were casing the nearby T-Mobile store. The officers approached the vehicle to ask them to move, as they were illegally parked in front of a bus stop.
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Comments
2024-03-27T20:51-0500 | Comment by: Steve
RIP BROTHER 🙏
2024-03-27T20:52-0500 | Comment by: Steve
RIP BROTHER 🙏
2024-03-29T07:07-0500 | Comment by: Richard
Liberal Judges own this one too. I think we need to pass a law that if a known felon is released on bond the bond should make it as close to impossible to reach. Otherwise the judge who release another killer, should go to jail with him if the killer shoots at another officer of the law.
2024-03-29T15:16-0500 | Comment by: Rick
Why was this P.O.S. even on the streets again. With his history, it is too bad it wasn't a judge or another one of those responsible for his freedom that were victimized. It would be nice if those responsible would be the ones to pay the price of their B.S. policies.