April 2024. Blues Vol 40 No. 4

AROUND THE COUNTRY NEW

AROUND THE COUNTRY NEW YORK CITY, NY. New York City Police Detective First Grade Jonathan Diller was shot and killed during a traffic stop near 1919 Mott Avenue in the Far Rockaway area of New York City. A New York Police Department officer was shot and killed in the line of duty Monday, March 25th 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-proof 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 21 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 40 The Blues - April ‘24 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. According to NYPD, 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. “He was given a lawful order DETECTIVE JONATHAN DILLER 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. Coverage of Detective Diller’s memorial service and his wife’s eulogy will be featured in next months issue.

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