A police officer was shot and a robbery suspect was killed during an exchange of gunfire in Jamaica, Queens, on Tuesday evening, authorities reported. A bystander was also injured in the incident, which began with a series of robberies and escalated into a fatal confrontation.
The events started around 5:35 p.m. when officers from the 107th Precinct responded to reports of an armed robbery at a bodega on Hillside Avenue. According to police, the suspect, identified as 57-year-old Gary Worthy, fired a shot during the robbery before fleeing the scene.
Approximately an hour later, officers from the 103rd Precinct, who were patrolling the area, were flagged down by a witness who pointed out an individual near Jamaica Avenue and 160th Street matching Worthy’s description, claiming he had just committed another robbery at a nearby smoke shop, during which a gun was fired, police said.
When officers approached Worthy, he allegedly ignored their commands and displayed a firearm, according to NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny. Worthy fired, hitting Officer Rich Wong, a seven-year NYPD veteran, in the thigh. Officer Wong returned fire, striking Worthy in the face.
Worthy was pronounced dead at the scene. Officer Wong was rushed to Jamaica Hospital, where he is expected to recover. A 26-year-old female bystander was also struck in the leg by gunfire and is expected to survive, officials said.
Police recovered a firearm at the scene.
Worthy had an extensive criminal history, including 17 prior arrests and a lifetime parole status for firearms possession, police said. He had been released from custody just six days earlier after an arrest for drug possession and resisting arrest. Investigators believe he was connected to three other recent armed robberies, all involving gunfire.
Mayor Eric Adams and Interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlon visited Jamaica Hospital Tuesday night, meeting with Officer Wong and his family. At a press briefing, Mayor Adams expressed concern about repeat offenders and the broader criminal justice system.
“This incident highlights the daily risks faced by our officers,” Adams said. “While we are relieved Officer Wong will recover, it’s unacceptable that individuals with extensive criminal records continue to endanger our communities.”
The shooting came just one day after another violent incident in Manhattan, where police alleged a shelter resident fatally stabbed three people in a spree of attacks over a 20-block radius.
An investigation into the Queens incident is ongoing, authorities confirmed.
