NYPD officer shot, killed during traffic stop in Queens by suspect with prior arrests

A New York Police Department officer was shot and killed in the line of duty Monday in Queens, according to Mayor Eric Adams.

The NYPD officer, identified as 31-year-old Jonathan Diller, was shot in the torso underneath his bullet-resistant vest during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway. Diller was taken to Jamaica Hospital, where he later died.

Police said two suspects were taken into custody and that the driver of the car has 14 prior arrests, while the passenger, who was also the shooter, has four prior arrests.

"It's because of a senseless act of violence that we witness a person had a total disregard for the safety of this city," Mayor Adams said at a news conference Monday evening. "It is the good guys against the bad guys and these bad guys are violent. They carry guns and the symbol of our public safety, which is police uniform, they have a total disregard for," Adams said.

"Tonight this city lost a hero, a wife lost her husband, and a young child lost their father," Police Commissioner Edward Caban said on social media. "We struggle to find the words to express the tragedy of losing one of our own. The work that police officer Jonathan Diller did each day to make this city a safer place will NEVER be forgotten," Caban said on X.

"Our prayers are with his family, loved ones, and brothers and sisters in blue," Caban concluded.

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Suspect refused to get out of car during traffic stop, police say

According to police, Diller and his partner conducted the traffic stop at 1919 Mott. Ave., around 5:48 p.m. Monday. As they approached the vehicle, one of the suspects displayed a gun and pointed it at the officers. Shots were fired and Diller's partner returned fire at the armed suspect, striking him.

Police said that suspect was also taken to Jamaica Hospital and is said to be in stable condition.

"He was given a lawful order numerous times to step out of the car. He refused. When the officer took him out of the car, instead of stepping out of the car, he shot our officer," NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said at a news conference Monday night.

The NYPD said Diller made more than 70 arrests during his time on the force. Diller leaves behind his wife, Stephanie, and their child.

Gabe Hauari is a national trending news reporter at USA TODAY. You can follow him on X @GabeHauari or email him at [email protected].