Career criminal accused of opening fire on NYPD officers, murdering decorated hero

In a senseless and unjustified act of violence, New York City is in mourning following the shooting death of Jonathan Diller, a decorated police officer and member of the Community Response Team. The tragic incident, the first of its kind in more than two years, has shocked the city and highlighted the constant danger that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty.

According to preliminary reports, Officer Diller, 32, was conducting a routine traffic stop with another officer at the intersection of Mott Avenue and Beach 19th St. in Queens when they approached a vehicle illegally parked at a traffic stop. bus around 6 p.m. of Monday.

Upon approaching the car, officers observed two men inside. In a tragic turn of events, one of the subjects, identified as Guy Rivera, 34, of Hispanic origin, suddenly exited the vehicle brandishing a gun and allegedly opened fire on the officers. Officer Diller was hit by a bullet in the torso, underneath his bulletproof vest, while his partner returned fire, wounding Rivera in the back.

Rivera was taken to the hospital, where an X-ray revealed that he had a homemade razor (a sharp razor or small knife) hidden in his butt, the New York Post reported.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams, visibly moved, expressed his outrage at this loss: “It was due to a senseless act of violence... a person had a complete disregard for the safety of this city. This dangerous individual inflicted a level of violence that cost the life of a police officer, a husband, a son. This is a loved one we lost, a young man. My heart goes out to his family... Today we lost one of our children and it is extremely painful.”

According to authorities, Rivera has at least four previous arrests on his record, including charges for criminal possession of controlled substances and first-degree assault. Recently, in 2021, he was released from prison after serving a five-year sentence for drug-related crimes.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as Lindy Jones, 41, who also has an extensive criminal history with at least 12 previous arrests.

This tragic incident has shaken the New York community and reignited debate about the safety of law enforcement officers and the measures needed to protect them while performing their duties. The loss of Officer Diller, a committed and loyal public servant, has left a void in the heart of the city and within his family.

Authorities continue to investigate the details of the case and the circumstances that led to this unjustified act of violence. The city stands together in solidarity and pays tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Officer Diller, who gave his life in defense of the safety of New Yorkers.