Guy Rivera, a 34-year-old man suspected of fatally shooting NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller during a traffic stop on Monday, is facing charges of murder in connection with the officer’s death and attempted murder for allegedly turning the gun on his partner. Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced on Thursday that Rivera would be charged with first- and second-degree murder, first- and second-degree attempted murder, and additional firearms charges. Rivera is currently recovering in a hospital from wounds received when Diller’s partner, Sgt. Sasha Rosen, returned fire after the shooting incident in Far Rockaway.
Diller and Sgt. Rosen approached a car that was illegally parked at a bus stop on Monday evening. When they asked the occupants to step out of the vehicle, Rivera allegedly opened fire from the passenger’s seat. The first bullet hit Diller in the stomach below his vest, while Rivera then allegedly turned the gun on Rosen. Rosen fought back, and after a struggle, Rivera aimed at Rosen again, but the gun jammed. Katz’s office stated that Rivera would be arraigned as soon as medically possible. A candlelight vigil was held for Diller on Wednesday evening, and a funeral is scheduled for Saturday morning in his hometown of Massapequa Park, New York.
Two suspects are being charged in connection with Diller’s death – the alleged gunman, Guy Rivera, and an ex-con who is not accused of violence but had an illegal handgun with a scratched-off serial number in his glove box. Both men have lengthy criminal records and prior felony convictions. Rivera has had 21 prior arrests, including nine for felonies, and recently got off parole. His associate, Lindy Jones, served time in prison for attempted murder in 2002 and was out on the streets despite pending felony firearms charges. Jones also faced new weapons charges after being served a search warrant on his vehicle.
Hundreds of police officers attended the arraignment of the suspects charged in connection with Diller’s death. He tragically passed away at Jamaica Hospital in Queens, leaving behind a wife and one-year-old son. A GoFundMe campaign organized for his family raised over half a million dollars from nearly 8,000 donors as of Thursday afternoon. The funeral services for Officer Diller are expected to draw a crowd of officers and VIPs, including former President Donald Trump. The shooting incident has shocked the community and highlighted the dangers that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty.
