NYPD officer killed by career criminal with 21 prior arrests during routine traffic stop in Queens

A New York City police officer is dead after being shot by a career criminal while carrying out a routine traffic stop in Queens on Monday night.

Jonathan Diller, a three year veteran of the force, was commended for his bravery by colleagues and city officials.

According to Fox News, the incident took place shortly before 6 pm outside 1919 Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway. Diller and his partner approached a vehicle after noticing that it was parked illegally, however as they got closer, the suspect took out his gun and began firing from the passenger seat. A shootout ensued.

Diller was struck in the stomach just below his bulletproof vest, while the suspect was shot by the other officer. Both were rushed to hospital, but while the suspect survived, Diller was soon pronounced dead.

The 34-year-old suspect, whose identity has not been released, was revealed to have had 21 prior arrests. He had spent time in prison for both first-degree assault and criminal possession of a controlled substance. His parole in the latter case ended just last year.

The driver of the vehicle, a 41-year-old man whose identity was also withheld, was arrested in April 2023 on a gun charge, but was back on the streets in no time.

"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."