New York City mourns the loss of one of its finest as Officer Jonathan Diller, a dedicated member of the NYPD, tragically lost his life during a routine traffic stop in Queens after stopping a career criminal.
The harrowing incident unfolded just before 6 pm outside 1919 Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway.
Say his name: Officer Jonathan Diller (31)
He was an NYPD officer and father who was gunned down and kiIIed yesterday during a routine traffic stop.
Guy Rivera had 21 prior arrests, with NINE felonies including assauIt & gun charges.
The driver of the car had 14 prior… pic.twitter.com/POPYiiztzM
— End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) March 26, 2024
Diller and his partner approached a vehicle parked illegally, only to be met with gunfire from a suspect seated in the passenger seat. Despite Diller’s bulletproof vest, he sustained fatal injuries in the shootout, while the suspect was also wounded by return fire, The Post reports.
The suspect, a 34-year-old with a criminal history including 21 prior arrests, highlights the challenges law enforcement faces in dealing with repeat offenders. Mayor Eric Adams expressed frustration at the system’s failure to prevent individuals with such extensive criminal records from returning to the streets.
Our hearts are heavy as we honor our fallen brother, Police Officer Jonathan Diller. We pray for his family and brothers and sisters in blue as we cope with this immense loss.
Thank you to all those who helped our grieving department transfer Jonathan with the respect he… pic.twitter.com/kfptGnrMsc
— Edward A. Caban (@NYPDPC) March 26, 2024
Equally concerning is the driver’s criminal background, with a prior arrest on gun charges in April 2023. Despite this, he was released back into the community.
“Less than a year gun charge,” Mayor Eric Adams said during a press conference. “He’s back on the streets. April 2023. This is what you call not a crime problem, 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.”
“My heart is with the [NYPD] and the family of Officer Jonathan Diller,” City Council member Linda Lee wrote in a post on X. “Our officers bravely charge into the unknown to protect New Yorkers – never knowing if they will return home at the end of the day. Praying for the loved ones of Officer Diller during this agonizing time.”
