Driver charged in connection to death of NYPD officer, Police say

The New York City Police Department (NYPD) has made an arrest in connection with the death of one of its officers. Lindy Jones, the driver implicated in the incident, was apprehended by authorities on Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. He now faces charges of criminal possession of a weapon and defacing a firearm, as confirmed by the NYPD.

The arrest follows a harrowing encounter that unfolded during a routine traffic stop in Queens on Monday. Officer Jonathan Diller, 31, lost his life when gunfire erupted after he and his partner approached Jones’ vehicle, which was illegally parked at a bus stop in Far Rockaway. According to law enforcement sources, it was Jones’ passenger, identified as Guy Rivera, 34, who brandished a firearm, subsequently firing at Officer Diller and fatally striking him.

Upon further investigation, authorities discovered a second firearm inside Jones’ vehicle, distinct from the one utilized in the fatal shooting. While Rivera sustained injuries and is currently hospitalized in stable condition, he has not yet faced charges related to the incident. Details regarding legal representation for Jones were not immediately available at the time of reporting.

The untimely demise of Officer Diller marks a somber milestone for the NYPD, representing the first line-of-duty death since Detectives Wilbert Mora and Jason Rivera were tragically shot and killed in January 2022. Officer Diller, a resident of Long Island, had served with the NYPD for three years. He leaves behind a grieving wife and a one-year-old son, whose lives are forever altered by this profound loss.

As the investigation into this tragic event continues, the NYPD and the broader law enforcement community mourn the loss of Officer Jonathan Diller, honoring his dedication and sacrifice in the line of duty. The repercussions of this devastating incident serve as a stark reminder of the inherent risks faced by those who bravely serve to protect their communities, leaving behind a legacy of valor and service that will not be forgotten.