In the Line of Duty: NYPD Officer Fatally Shot During Vehicle Stop

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Jonathan Diller.Photo byauthor (licensed under CC BY 2.0)

An on-duty NYPD officer was fatally shot while conducting a vehicle stop in Far Rockaway, Queens on Monday.

The incident took place as two officers from the NYPD Critical Response Team were conducting a traffic stop at 1919 Mott Avenue around 5:48 p.m.

Their focus was on vehicles with fake plates, illegal tints, and other quality-of-life issues. The officers noticed a vehicle parked illegally at a bus stop with two occupants and approached them.

When asked to exit the vehicle, the passenger resisted, brandished a firearm, and fired at the officers, hitting one in the torso just below their bullet-resistant vest.

In response, the officer's partner fired back, striking the suspect in the back.

Jonathan Diller, the injured officer, was quickly taken to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition, where he eventually succumbed to his injuries.

The second officer was transported to the hospital with tinnitus.

The condition of the two suspects is still uncertain.

"I heard pop, then it heard it again," said Deon Peters, who was working nearby with students, as part of the Police Explorers club, when the shots rang out. "I had my explorer kids with me in the office. I told them to go in the back."

In April 2023, officials arrested the driver for gun possession, but he was released back onto the streets.

Adams labeled this incident as a "recurring" issue.

"Same bad people, doing bad things to good people, less than a year, he's back on the streets with another gun," he said.

The firearm belonging to the suspect was found at the scene, prompting somber emotions during the late Monday night NYPD briefing.

Adams expressed deep sorrow over Officer Diller's fatal shooting, describing it as a profound tragedy for the city.

Commissioner Caban emphasized the need for support and prayers for the officer's family, colleagues, and the entire NYPD during this challenging time.

Governor Hochul condemned the senseless act, noting the significance of unity in the face of such violence.

"My prayers are with his family, loved ones and the members of the NYPD," said Hochul. "His heroism and service will never be forgotten."