Gary Worthy Obituary, Death – An NYPD officer and a bystander were injured on Wednesday evening when a suspect, who had just committed two armed robberies in Queens, opened fire during an attempted arrest. The suspect, identified as 43-year-old Gary Worthy, was ultimately shot and killed in the exchange.
Incident Overview
The situation began around 5:30 p.m. when police received a 911 call reporting a robbery at a deli on Hillside Avenue near 164th Street in the Jamaica section of Queens. Officers quickly responded to the scene, where they learned that Worthy had entered the deli and threatened the employees and customers with a black revolver, demanding money. During the robbery, Worthy fired a single shot before fleeing the scene.
Witnesses reported seeing the suspect near Jamaica Avenue and 160th Street. Police soon located Worthy and ordered him to stop and drop his firearm. Instead of complying, Worthy allegedly fired at the officers, striking one in the thigh. In return, an officer fired back and hit the suspect in the face.
Injuries and Casualties
In addition to the officer’s injury, a 26-year-old woman was also struck by gunfire, though it remains unclear who shot her. The woman was injured in the exchange of gunfire but was not identified by police, and her condition has not been specified. Meanwhile, Worthy was transported to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after arriving.
The Officer and Bystander
The injured officer was identified as Rich Wong, 36, who sustained a gunshot wound to the thigh. Officer Wong was taken to Jamaica Hospital for treatment and was expected to be released on the morning following the incident. While his injury was serious, it was not life-threatening. The bystander, a 26-year-old woman, was also treated at the hospital, and her injuries are not considered life-threatening either.
Criminal History and Reactions
Gary Worthy’s criminal history raised serious concerns, as he had a history of violent offenses. Worthy had prior arrests involving firearms and had pleaded guilty to manslaughter. He had been arrested for seven separate crimes since 2001, and police stated that he was a repeat offender who was out on the streets despite his extensive criminal record.
Following the shooting, Mayor Eric Adams condemned the criminal justice system for allowing violent repeat offenders to remain free to commit further crimes. During a press conference on Wednesday evening, Adams expressed his frustration: “We are grateful tonight, but we are also angry,” he said. “We’re angry because we have witnessed in two days a criminal justice system that is failing New Yorkers and the good people of this city.” He further emphasized that Worthy’s criminal history and his ability to commit two robberies in a single night reflected the failure of the system to prevent repeat offenders from endangering public safety.
Investigation and Ongoing Updates
The NYPD’s investigation into the events of the evening is ongoing, and more details are expected to emerge in the coming days. Authorities are focusing on piecing together the timeline of events leading up to the shooting, including the circumstances surrounding the robbery, the attempted arrest, and the exchange of gunfire.
At the time of the shooting, the officers involved were wearing body cameras, and it is expected that footage from these cameras will assist in the investigation. The situation remains under investigation by the NYPD, and the police are seeking further information that may help clarify the details of the incident.
Public Response and Safety Concerns
This incident has once again sparked debate over public safety and the role of repeat offenders in violent crimes. Critics have pointed to the need for stronger measures to keep repeat offenders off the streets, especially those with a history of violent offenses. The mayor’s comments reflect widespread concern about the criminal justice system’s ability to protect the public from individuals with lengthy criminal histories.
The shooting has also drawn attention to the risks that law enforcement officers face in the line of duty. Officer Wong’s injury highlights the dangers police officers encounter during encounters with armed suspects, especially when they are attempting to de-escalate potentially violent situations.
Conclusion
The shooting of Officer Rich Wong and the bystander during the attempted arrest of Gary Worthy marks a violent episode in the ongoing concerns over public safety in New York City. Worthy, a violent repeat offender, was fatally shot during an exchange of gunfire with police after committing two robberies in one evening. While the injuries to the officer and the bystander are not life-threatening, the event has raised serious questions about the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing repeat offenders from causing harm. The investigation into the incident continues, and further updates are expected as the details unfold.