The community in Queens, alongside the NYPD and a young family, mourn the tragic loss of Officer Jonathan Diller, who was fatally shot during a traffic stop in Queens.
Diller, aged 31, resided in Massapequa Park with his wife Stephanie and their nearly 1-year-old son. He had joined the NYPD in February 2021.
According to authorities, Diller and another officer were conducting a routine traffic stop on Mott Avenue at approximately 5:45 p.m. on Monday. The NYPD Critical Response Team had been focusing on vehicles with fake plates, illegal tints, or other quality-of-life issues.
During the stop, officers approached a vehicle with two occupants as it was parked illegally at a bus stop. When asked to exit the vehicle, the passenger refused and brandished a firearm towards the officers.
Guy Rivera, aged 34, is accused of shooting Officer Diller, striking him in the torso just below his bullet-resistant vest. Diller’s partner retaliated, firing at Rivera and striking him in the back.
Despite being rushed to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition, Officer Diller tragically succumbed to his injuries.
The second officer sustained tinnitus and was also hospitalized.
The other occupant of the vehicle has been identified as 41-year-old Lindy Jones, and a firearm was recovered at the scene. Both individuals are in custody, although formal charges have yet to be announced.
Rivera has a history of arrests, having been apprehended by the NYPD 21 times, including nine felony charges. Jones also has a significant criminal record, with 14 prior arrests.
Mayor Eric Adams condemned the incident, labeling it a “recidivist” problem and emphasizing the ongoing struggle against violent offenders.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban expressed condolences, highlighting the profound loss for the city and the police department.
Governor Kathy Hochul denounced the “senseless” killing, offering prayers for Officer Diller’s family and colleagues.
This marks the first NYPD officer killed in the line of duty since 2022. Officer Diller’s wake will be held on Thursday and Friday at Massapequa Funeral Home, with a funeral scheduled for Saturday at St. Rose of Lima R.C. Church.
