A dangerous exchange of gunfire erupted in Queens, leaving an NYPD officer and a civilian wounded, and led to the fatal shooting of robbery suspect Gary Worthy.
At a Glance
- NYPD Officer Rich Wong and a civilian were shot by robbery suspect Gary Worthy.
- Gary Worthy was responsible for multiple armed robberies before the confrontation.
- Worthy was fatally shot after a tense standoff with police.
- Worthy had a lengthy criminal record and was on lifetime parole.
Queens Shootout Overview
An NYPD officer, Rich Wong, and a civilian were injured during a shootout involving Gary Worthy, a prolific robbery suspect, in Queens. The incident began at a deli on Hillside Avenue, where Worthy brandished a revolver, firing shots that triggered a citywide alert. Responding officers engaged Worthy around 6:30 p.m., resulting in an exchange of gunfire that left the suspect and two victims wounded.
During the confrontation, Worthy shot Officer Wong in the thigh. Despite being injured, Officer Wong retaliated, managing to hit Worthy, who later succumbed to his injuries at Jamaica Hospital. A 26-year-old civilian was also inadvertently injured, although she is expected to recover. Worthy’s extensive criminal background included numerous prior arrests for violent crimes.
BREAKING NEWS: An NYPD officer and a 26-year-old female bystander were shot in Queens, police officials say. #news12bx #bronx #queens #nypd #police #Shooting #Crime #NYC #NewYorkhttps://t.co/cApHj49NvN pic.twitter.com/6QTwYpIjz5
— News12BX (@News12BX) November 20, 2024
Background and Criminal Record
Gary Worthy, 57, had been a notorious figure with 17 prior arrests on charges ranging from murder to narcotics possession. At the time of the incident, Worthy was on lifetime parole, having recently been apprehended for narcotics possession. The recent spree of armed robberies culminated in a tragic encounter with law enforcement, emphasizing concerns within the community about judicial leniency for habitual offenders.
City officials, including Mayor Eric Adams, echoed the shock and concern regarding the release and subsequent actions of individuals with such backgrounds, with Adams calling Worthy a “reckless perpetrator who allegedly showed a complete disregard for human life.” Worthy’s criminal past paints a vivid picture of the systemic issues facing the criminal justice system.
Public Response and Official Statements
Mayor Eric Adams criticized the current state of the criminal justice system, pointing out how prolific offenders exploit the system’s shortcomings. His statement underscored Worthy’s repetitive offenses despite his lifetime parole: “We have witnessed in two days a criminal justice system that is failing New Yorkers and the good people of this city.” The situation has renewed calls for reform, aiming to prevent similar incidents.
Public sentiment reflects a blend of relief over Worthy’s apprehension and frustration over how his activities were allowed to escalate unchecked. Such incidents bolster arguments for stricter parole guidelines and the careful monitoring of repeat offenders.
