A community in Queens, the NYPD, and a young family are all mourning the loss of Officer Jonathan Diller, who was
fatally shot during a traffic stop
in Queens.
Diller, 31, who lived in Massapequa Park with his wife Stephanie and nearly 1-year-old son, joined the NYPD in February 2021.
Authorities say Diller and another officer were conducting the traffic stop on Mott Avenue at around 5:45 p.m. Monday. The NYPD Critical Response Team has been focusing on cars with fake plates, illegal tints or other quality-of-life issues.
NYPD officials say the officers stopped the vehicle, which had two men inside, because it was parked at a bus stop illegally. When officers asked the individuals to step out of the vehicle, the suspect in the passenger’s seat refused, and pointed a gun at the officers.
I cannot say it any clearer: it is the good guys against the bad guys.
Guy Rivera, 34, is accused of shooting Diller, who was struck in the torso, just below his bullet-resistant vest. Officials say Diller’s partner then fired at Rivera, striking him in the back.