ICYMI: Hero of the Streets! NYC Cop Shoots Career Criminal on Parole After Robbery Spree
A gunfight erupts on a busy Queens street, as a career criminal’s violent crime spree ends with an officer’s quick action. 🌐 #News #NewYorkCity #NewYork #Crime
NEW YORK, NY – A tense scene unfolded on a Queens street Tuesday evening when a career criminal, already on lifetime parole, was killed in a dramatic shootout with police after robbing two businesses. The gunfire left an New York Police Department officer and an innocent bystander wounded, sending hundreds of locals scrambling for safety.
Around 5:30 p.m., Gary Worthy, 57, allegedly robbed a bodega at gunpoint. Just over an hour later, he held up a smoke shop on Guy Brewer Boulevard. Officers had been searching for him after the first robbery, and a witness pointed them to the suspect as he left the second crime scene.
The Confrontation and Shootout
Police quickly realized that the suspect matched the description of the robber they were looking for. They approached Worthy near Jamaica Avenue and 160th Street around 6:30 p.m. but he chose to run instead of surrendering. As he fled, Worthy pulled out a gun and shot Officer Rich Wong in the thigh.
Wong, a seven-year veteran of the NYPD, fired back, striking Worthy in the face. Despite efforts to save him, Worthy was pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital. Officer Wong and a 26-year-old woman who was caught in the crossfire were rushed to the same hospital but are expected to recover fully.
The gunfight quickly sparked chaos, with bystanders rushing for cover as the shooting echoed across Jamaica Avenue. One local resident, who had been nearby picking up pizza, described the moment the gunshots rang out, initially mistaking the first noise for something else before realizing it was a deadly exchange of gunfire.
A Career Criminal’s Past and Public Outcry
Worthy, who had been on lifetime parole since 2021 after serving time for multiple convictions, was no stranger to law enforcement. He had an extensive criminal history that included charges of manslaughter, weapons possession, and burglary. Even after his release, Worthy faced several arrests, yet remained on the streets, despite being wanted for multiple recent robberies.
The events of the evening have sparked public outrage, with local officials voicing frustrations over what they see as failures within the criminal justice system. Mayor Eric Adams criticized the system for allowing dangerous individuals like Worthy to remain free, despite their violent pasts. Top NYPD officials and the Police Benevolent Association have echoed these sentiments, calling for stronger measures to keep criminals off the streets.
Supporting Our Officers
While the criminal justice system has come under scrutiny, the bravery and quick action of Officer Rich Wong and his fellow officers highlight the crucial role law enforcement plays in protecting New Yorkers. These officers put their lives on the line every day to ensure public safety, and their actions during this incident reflect the dedication they have to their communities.
In moments of crisis, it is clear that our police officers are often the first line of defense. As demonstrated in this shootout, they will continue to stand firm against criminals who threaten the safety of our neighborhoods, regardless of the challenges they may face from those seeking to undermine the justice system.
RELATED TOPICS: Crime | New York
Sign Up for Our Newsletter
We value your feedback! Did you find this article informative, inspiring, or thought-provoking? Leave a comment below and join the discussion. We appreciate your opinion and look forward to hearing from you!
