New York, Queens – The driver involved in the tragic fatal shooting of an NYPD officer has been arraigned on felony weapons charges in Queens. Lindy Jones, 41, was charged with second- and third-degree criminal possession of a weapon after police found a loaded and defaced handgun in the Kia he was driving before the shooting. The alleged shooter, Guy Rivera, remains hospitalized and awaiting charges.
Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz stated that her office is dedicated to seeking justice for Officer Jonathan E. Diller, who lost his life in the line of duty. Diller, a 31-year-old married father, was shot and killed by Rivera during a traffic stop in Far Rockaway. The tragic incident occurred when Rivera fired at Diller after a confrontation over the car door escalated into a deadly encounter.
Former President Donald Trump is expected to attend Diller’s wake in Massapequa, where the NYPD will provide security during the visitation. The courtroom was filled with police officers showing their support for Diller, the first NYPD officer killed in the line of duty since 2022. Prosecutor Gabriel Reale mentioned that Jones claimed he was picking up a hitchhiker and was not acquainted with Rivera, emphasizing the presence of the gun in the vehicle.
Jones is facing 15 years in prison on the weapons charges, with the possibility of serving a total of 30 years if convicted in a pending 2023 case. The emotional impact of Diller’s death has extended beyond the courtroom, with the Mets planning to honor him with a sign atop Citi Field on Opening Day. Surveillance footage revealed the events leading up to the fatal shooting, shedding light on how the traffic stop escalated into tragedy.
Both Jones and Rivera have extensive criminal records, with Rivera having 16 arrests though most cases are sealed. The last NYPD officers killed on duty were Wilbert Mora, 27, and Jason Rivera, 22, who were shot in 2022 while responding to a domestic dispute. Police continue to investigate the circumstances that led to the fatal shooting as the community mourns the loss of Officer Diller. The funeral arrangements for Diller include a wake and a service, with the church service followed by burial at St. Charles Cemetery in Farmingdale.