Lindy Jones, the driver arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of NYPD Officer Jonathan Diller, is facing charges of criminal possession of a weapon and defacing a firearm. Jones was stopped for illegally parking at a bus stop with the suspected gunman and Diller’s alleged killer, Guy Rivera. Rivera, who allegedly fired at police during the traffic stop, remains hospitalized after being struck by return fire. A second firearm was found in the vehicle, leading to speculation that the suspects were casing a T-Mobile store at the time of the incident. Jones did not respond to questions during his perp walk, as onlookers shouted admonishments and questions about Diller’s family.
The suspects in the shooting both have extensive criminal histories, with Rivera having been previously arrested 21 times and Jones having been arrested 14 times. Rivera was released from prison in September 2021 for criminal sale of a controlled substance, while Jones had served ten years for attempted murder and robbery charges stemming from 2003. Diller’s tragic passing has sparked criticism of New York’s bail reform laws and criminal justice system, with Mayor Eric Adams demanding action from Albany lawmakers. Rivera’s lengthy criminal record has raised questions about how he was able to repeatedly re-offend despite multiple arrests and felony charges.
Diller’s tragic death has left his family and community devastated, with his brother-in-law, Jonathan McAuley, mourning the loss of a beloved husband, father, and police officer. McAuley posted a tribute on Facebook, promising to look after Diller’s one-year-old son as his own. The incident has highlighted the dangers faced by law enforcement officers on a daily basis, as routine car stops can quickly turn deadly. Diller’s neighbor, a retired 9/11 responder, blamed Governor Kathy Hochul and the state’s bail reform laws for contributing to the violence that led to Diller’s passing.
As New York City mourns the loss of Officer Diller, questions are being raised about how repeat offenders like Jones and Rivera are able to continue committing crimes despite multiple arrests and convictions. Mayor Adams has called for tougher measures to address the issue of recidivism, while grieving family members and friends remember Diller as a dedicated officer and loving father. The tragic incident has underscored the risks faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty, as they put themselves in harm’s way to protect their communities. The investigation into Diller’s death continues, with both suspects facing charges related to the shooting.
