Jonathan Diller: NYPD officer and father of 1-year-old shot dead by career criminal during traffic stop

Warning: This article contains a recollection of crime and can be triggering to some, readers’ discretion advised.

QUEENS, NEW YORK: NYPD officer Jonathan Diller, 31, was shot and killed by a career criminal in a "senseless act of violence" during a routine traffic stop in Queens on Monday evening, March 25.

According to reports from officials and law enforcement sources, Officer Diller, a devoted husband and father to a 1-year-old son, was shot in the stomach while attempting to remove the suspect, identified as 34-year-old Guy Rivera, from the passenger seat of a vehicle near 19-19 Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway.

Insights into tragic shooting of Jonathan Diller

The fatal encounter occurred around 5.50 pm as officers approached the vehicle. Despite "lawful orders" to exit the car, Rivera refused and instead opened fire on Officer Diller, striking him beneath his police vest.

Remarkably, even after being shot, the NYPD officer managed to disarm the shooter before his partner returned fire, striking Rivera. Both Rivera and the driver of the vehicle, identified as 41-year-old Lindy Jones, have extensive criminal backgrounds, according to records, with the former having been arrested on gun charges as recently as April last year. The suspect was also transported to Jamaica Hospital, with police stating that his condition was not immediately known.

Witness recounts Jonathan Diller's final moments

Witness Deon Peters recounted the tragic moment when officer Diller fell to the ground, exclaiming that he had been "hit" by gunfire. “He was moving, he was saying ‘I’m hit, I’m hit!’ Giving location and all that,” said Peters. “Like he was crying, like he was really crying,” reported New York Post. Despite being rushed to Jamaica Hospital in critical condition, Diller succumbed to his injuries.

"Tonight this city lost a hero, a wife lost her husband, and a young child lost their father," NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said. “We struggle to find the words to express the tragedy of losing one of our own. The work that Police Officer Jonathan Diller did each day to make this city a safer place will NEVER be forgotten. Our prayers are with his family, loved ones, and brothers and sisters in blue.”