A Police officer of New York state has died after being shot while conducting a vehicle stop on Monday.
Two officers stopped a vehicle at 1919 Mott Avenue in Far Rockaway, Queens around 5:48 p.m. as part of the NYPD Community Response Team because it was parked illegally, the NYPD said. Then a shootout ensued.
New York Mayor, Eric Adams said, “We lost one of our sons today,”
NYPD Commissioner, Edward Caban while briefing the press said the 34-year-old suspect, who has 21 prior arrests according to the New York Post, displayed a firearm and pointed it at Officer Jonathan Diller during the stop and refused to exit the car.
The suspect then opened fire, striking Diller in the stomach, underneath his bullet-proof vest, authorities said.
“We’re here far too many times,” Caban added.
Another officer returned fire and struck the suspect, who was a passenger in the vehicle. The wounded officer was rushed to Jamaica Hospital where he was later pronounced dead.
The suspected gunman was also taken to a hospital and a gun was reportedly recovered at the scene.
Diller had been with the NYPD for three years and had more than 70 arrests, officials said.