A New York City police officer and an innocent bystander were both shot after a suspect allegedly robbed multiple stores on Tuesday, according to city officials.
The suspect, Gary Worthy, 57, is on lifetime parole for firearms possession and has 17 priors that include murder, robbery, burglary, and narcotics possession according to the NYPD.
His last arrest was six days ago for possession of felony narcotics and resisting arrest.
Tragic Incident in Queens: Officer and Bystander Injured
In a heartbreaking turn of events, on Tuesday evening, a New York City police officer became the latest victim in a disturbing pattern of violence tied to career criminals. Officer Rich Wong, dedicated and courageous, found himself in the crosshairs of a dangerous situation following a string of armed robberies.
Details Surrounding the Robbery and Shooting
During a press briefing, law enforcement officials revealed they responded to urgent 911 calls at approximately 5:35 p.m. detailing an armed robbery taking place at the Village Market grocery store. Eyewitnesses recounted how Worthy brandished a black revolver, threatening staff and customers alike while demanding cash. A single shot rang out during this chaotic scene before he fled the location.
As officers broadcast a description of Worthy, a concerned citizen alerted them to another robbery at a nearby smoke shop where Worthy had also fired a weapon. The interconnected web of these crimes pointed to a clear danger lurking within the neighborhood’s fabric.
Worthy was cornered by authorities near Jamaica Avenue and 160th Street shortly after 6:30 p.m. Despite commands to halt, he brandished his firearm, leading to a clash that would alter lives irreparably. Officer Wong was struck in the altercation, but he bravely returned fire, ultimately hitting the armed suspect. Worthy was later pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital, a tragic end to a life steeped in crime.
Amidst the turmoil, a 26-year-old woman became an unintended victim as she was caught in the exchange of gunfire, though she and Officer Wong are both expected to recover from their injuries.
Official Outcry on Criminal Justice System Failures
Mayor Eric Adams expressed his outrage on social media after the incident, highlighting the shortcomings of the criminal justice system that allowed a repeat offender like Worthy to roam free. “While we are grateful that they will recover, we are also angry that a repeat offender who previously pled guilty to manslaughter and had 7 arrests since 2021 was free to commit two robberies tonight and ultimately shoot two people,” Adams lamented.
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benefit Association, also voiced concern over the state of law enforcement and their safety. “He didn’t know when he ran out of the 103 station house that he was going to confront a dangerous career criminal,” Hendry stated, his voice tinged with frustration. The incident underscored the deep-seated issues officers face while serving their community, surrounded by an imperfect justice system.
Hendry continued to emphasize the resilience of New York City officers, while expressing a desire for significant reform: “We will continue to take dangerous criminals off the streets. We have your back…but our criminal justice system continues to let us down every single day.”
The incident continues to unfold with ongoing investigations, leaving the community to grapple with profound questions about safety, justice, and the future. A sobering reminder of reality, this situation reveals not just the immediate consequences of crime, but broader implications about the systems addressing such threats.
The focus now remains on healing for the victims and their families, while New Yorkers are urged to consider the implications of a society where officers risk their lives to protect the public, facing career criminals who evade justice far too easily.
As this harrowing incident serves as a call for action, neighborhoods in New York City feel the weight of uncertainty. Those who frequent local haunts, such as the Village Market or nearby establishments, must now decide how to navigate this new layer of anxiety wrapped around their daily lives.
The incident is still under investigation.
