Queens was the scene of a violent shootout between police officers and an armed robbery suspect that left one officer injured and the suspect dead. The incident took place on Nov. 19, 2024, when officers from the 103rd Precinct confronted the suspect, identified as Gary Worthy, who was linked to two armed robberies in the neighborhood.
During the exchange of gunfire near Jamaica Avenue and 164th Street, Police Officer Rich Wong, a 7-year NYPD veteran, was shot in the thigh, and Worthy was fatally struck in the face. An innocent bystander, a 26-year-old woman, was also wounded in the shootout and is currently receiving treatment at Jamaica Hospital.
Thankfully, both the injured officer and the bystander are expected to make full recoveries, according to Mayor Eric Adams. However, the incident has once again raised concerns about the criminal justice system’s handling of repeat offenders like Worthy, who had a history of violence and multiple prior arrests.
Worthy, who had 17 previous arrests for charges including murder, robbery, burglary, and narcotics possession, was released without bail just six days before the shootout despite his criminal record. This has sparked outrage among law enforcement officials, with Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry calling for systemic changes to prevent such incidents in the future.
Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny outlined the sequence of events leading up to the shootout, starting with Worthy’s attempted robbery at a grocery store in Jamaica. The suspect then fled the scene and was later spotted by Officer Wong and his partner, leading to the fatal confrontation on the streets of Queens.
The NYPD Force Investigation Division is currently conducting an inquiry into the incident to determine the circumstances surrounding the shootout. Interim Police Commissioner Tom Donlon expressed gratitude that the injured officer will recover from the ordeal.
The shootout serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the line of duty and highlights the need for comprehensive reforms within the criminal justice system to ensure the safety of both officers and the public. The tragic outcome of this incident underscores the importance of addressing the root causes of gun violence and improving collaboration between law enforcement agencies to prevent future tragedies.
