(Scypre.com) – An NYPD officer and a 26-year-old woman were injured in Queens during a violent confrontation with an armed robbery suspect believed to be responsible for a string of robberies committed within an hour, according to authorities. The suspect, a career criminal with a history of violent offenses, was fatally shot by police after firing at officers.
The events unfolded on Tuesday evening, beginning at 5:30 p.m., when police responded to a 911 call reporting an armed robbery in progress at a deli on Hillside Avenue near 164th Street in Jamaica. According to NYPD officials, the suspect, later identified as 57-year-old Gary Worthy, entered the deli brandishing a black revolver, threatening workers and customers. Before fleeing, Worthy fired a shot, though no one was injured in that initial incident.
As officers canvassed the area, a witness flagged them down, pointing to a man near Jamaica Avenue and 160th Street. The witness reported that the suspect had just robbed a nearby smoke shop on Guy Brewer Boulevard and had discharged his weapon during the crime, NYPD Chief of Detectives Joe Kenny stated.
Approximately an hour after the first robbery, two uniformed neighborhood coordination officers encountered a man matching the suspect’s description. When they ordered him to stop, Worthy pulled out his gun and fled. Despite commands to drop his weapon, he fired a shot, striking Officer Rich Wong in the thigh, according to Kenny.
Officer Wong, a seven-year veteran of the NYPD, returned fire, hitting Worthy in the face. The suspect was transported to Jamaica Hospital, where he was pronounced dead shortly after 7 p.m.
A tragic twist to the chaotic scene occurred when a stray bullet struck a 26-year-old woman in the leg as she shopped in the vicinity. The source of the bullet remains unclear, but the woman is expected to recover fully, authorities confirmed.
Officer Wong was also taken to Jamaica Hospital, where he is being treated for his injuries. Police officials expressed confidence in his full recovery.
Mayor Eric Adams, addressing the incident, referred to Worthy as a “reckless perpetrator who allegedly showed a complete disregard for human life.”
Details about Worthy’s criminal history further underscored the gravity of his actions. Chief Kenny disclosed that Worthy had been arrested 17 times for charges ranging from murder to robbery and narcotics possession. He was on lifetime parole at the time of Tuesday’s events and had been arrested just six days earlier for drug possession and resisting arrest. Despite this, he was released after that arrest.
Worthy was also suspected in at least three other gunpoint robberies in recent weeks, including one on Halloween. Police noted that shots had been fired during those crimes as well.
The swift response from law enforcement likely prevented further harm, but the incident has reignited conversations about public safety and the criminal justice system’s handling of repeat offenders.
“This is yet another example of the dangers officers face every day in their commitment to protect the public,” said Police Commissioner Edward Caban. “Their bravery and professionalism ensure our communities remain safe.”