New York City, NY – Tragedy struck in Far Rockaway, Queens, last Monday when NYPD officer Jonathan Diller was fatally shot during a confrontation with a suspected gunman. The chain of events leading to the shooting unfolded as Officer Diller and his partner were directed by an NYPD sergeant to investigate a man walking with a suspicious object concealed in his hoodie.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed during a briefing at police headquarters in Manhattan that body camera footage suggested the suspected gunman, Guy Rivera, was involved in illegal activity. Rivera was spotted walking to a Kia Soul parked in a bus lane, prompting the sergeant to instruct Diller and his partner to look into the situation.
Queens prosecutors alleged that prior to the shooting, a patrol officer observed Rivera with what appeared to be a gun in the front pocket of his sweatshirt. Rivera, accompanied by Lindy Jones, then entered the Kia Soul parked on Mott Ave. An altercation between Diller and Rivera over the car door ensued, leading to Diller being shot in the abdomen by Rivera.
While the immediate reason for the confrontation was initially stated as the illegally parked Kia, further details emerged following the incident. Rivera, indicted on murder charges, also pointed his gun at another NYPD officer after shooting Diller, with the gun ultimately jamming. Investigations revealed that the weapon used to kill Diller was a .380 semiautomatic pistol purchased legally in 1996.
Diller, posthumously promoted to detective first grade, was a dedicated officer assigned to the Queens South Community Response Team. His tragic passing left behind a grieving wife, Stephanie, and their young son, Ryan. The emotional recounting of the moments at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where Diller was treated for his gunshot wound, highlighted the intense efforts made to save his life before his untimely death.
As the NYPD continues to mourn the loss of Officer Diller, the community honors his dedication and bravery in the line of duty. The impact of his passing serves as a somber reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily while serving and protecting their communities.