A New York City police officer and an innocent bystander were both shot and killed Tuesday after a suspect allegedly robbed multiple stores, authorities said.
According to the NYPD, the suspect, Gary Worthy, 57, is on life parole for firearms possession and has 17 prior convictions, including murder, burglary, burglary and drug possession.
His last arrest was six days ago for felony drug possession and resisting arrest.
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Mayor Eric Adams announced at a press conference Tuesday night that a New York City police officer was shot and killed by a career criminal in the borough of Queens. (Mayor Eric Adams, via X)
Officials said at a news conference that at 5:35 p.m., officers responded to a 911 call reporting an armed robbery inside the Village Market grocery store.
The victims told responding officers that Worthy entered the store, announced a robbery and demanded money from employees and customers inside the store while threatening them with a black revolver. During the robbery, the man reportedly fired a gun and fled south.
Shortly after officers obtained Worthy's description and broadcast it over the radio, responding officers received a call from a witness who said a man had robbed a smoke shop at gunpoint and opened fire.
Officers were able to match the description to previous robberies.
The gun was recovered at the scene of the shooting Tuesday night. (NYPD News)
Police said officers ordered Worthy to stop near the corner of Jamaica Avenue and 160th Street around 6:30 p.m., but Worthy fled with his gun drawn and was arrested by NYPD Officer Rich. Officer Wong was reportedly injured.
Police said Wong fired back, incapacitating Worthy, who was later pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital.
A 26-year-old woman was also shot in the crossfire, but both she and Ms Wong are expected to make a full recovery.
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New York City police at the scene of a robbery and suspected shooting in Queens. (Peter Garber)
Mayor Eric Adams social media He expressed his disgust with the criminal justice system in the wake of the shooting.
Mr Adams said: “While we are grateful for their recovery, a repeat offender who previously pled guilty to manslaughter and has been arrested seven times since 2021 was free tonight to commit two robberies and ultimately “I also feel angry that he shot and killed someone,” he said.
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benefits Association, also criticized the criminal justice system at a press conference, saying NYPD officers are tired of being assaulted.
“He had no idea when he burst out of the 103rd station building upon hearing the sounds of a robbery in progress, not knowing he would be confronting a brazen and dangerous career criminal who would not hesitate to kill New York City.” police officer,” Hendry said.
Mayor Eric Adams visits shooting victims at Jamaica Hospital. (Mayor Eric Adams, via X)
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“You can depend on New York City police officers to do their job, and we will continue to take dangerous criminals off our streets. We have your back,” Hendry told New Yorkers. said.
“Tell me who's not on your side…Our criminal justice system continues to fail us every day. I've been arrested 17 times while on life parole, and I've been arrested 7 times while on life parole. What do you mean by life parole? I think everyone would agree that you get arrested and locked up in prison while on life parole, but that didn't happen here, in New York City. Police officers are broken from top to bottom. “We are tired of street violence and we need all New Yorkers to demand change in our criminal justice system once and for all,” he continued.
This incident is still under investigation.
