Far Rockaway, Queens – An NYPD sergeant’s decision to direct officer Jonathan Diller and his partner to investigate a man with a potential gun led to a fatal confrontation last Monday. The incident unfolded when the officer from Massapequa Park was shot in Far Rockaway, Queens, while responding to reports of a man walking suspiciously with a firearm in his hoodie, according to a top NYPD official.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny revealed during a briefing at police headquarters in Manhattan that body camera footage showed the suspected gunman, Guy Rivera, walking towards an illegally parked Kia Soul. The sergeant’s observation of Rivera’s actions prompted the officer and his partner to intervene and investigate further, ultimately leading to the tragic outcome.
Prosecutors in Queens have alleged that the events leading to Diller’s close-range shooting began when an officer on patrol noticed Rivera carrying what appeared to be a gun in his sweatshirt pocket. The subsequent altercation between Diller and Rivera, who were associated with a parked 2016 Kia, resulted in Diller being fatally shot in the abdomen below his protective vest.
Following the shooting, Rivera reportedly aimed his gun at another officer, Sgt. Sasha Rosen, who managed to redirect the weapon away from himself. However, Rivera’s firearm malfunctioned as he attempted to target Rosen. Rivera now faces serious charges, including first- and second-degree murder, related to Diller’s killing.
In the aftermath of Diller’s tragic death, the NYPD revealed details about the firearms involved, including a legally purchased .380 semiautomatic pistol and a defaced 9mm handgun found in the Kia’s glove compartment. Diller, a dedicated three-year veteran of the force, was posthumously promoted to detective first grade and is survived by his wife and young son.
During a poignant moment at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center, where Diller was initially treated, NYPD deputy commissioner Kaz Daughtry recounted the heart-wrenching efforts to save the fallen officer’s life. Despite initial hope when Diller briefly regained a pulse, his passing devastated all involved in the rescue attempt. The emotional toll of the incident was deeply felt by Daughtry and other police officials present during the tragic turn of events.