NY police officer shot dead during traffic stop in Queens

A decorated police officer has been shot dead in the line of duty in Far Rockaway, Queens in New York City.

The officer was identified as three-year veteran Jonathan Diller, 31, said Mayor Eric Adams during a news conference Monday evening, reports CBSnews.com.

During a traffic stop, Jonathan Diller was shot in the torso, underneath his bullet-resistant vest. Later, he was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.

Investigators said two suspects were taken into custody. The car driver has 14 prior arrests while the shooter has four priors.

Adams said they lost Jonathan tonight and Stephanie, his wife, speaking with her is extremely impactful.

Diller was shot while performing his duty. He put himself in destruction’s way and went toward the danger, said Police Commissioner Edward Caban.

Police said the members of the department’s Critical Response Team conducted the traffic stop at 1919 Mott Avenue beside Beach 20th Street around 5:48 pm.

One of the suspects displayed a gun and pointed it at the officers as they approached the vehicle. Then, shots were fired.

The suspect, identified as Guy Rivera, 34, was shot in the back amid the frenzy in Far Rockaway. He is likely to survive.