Police Officer, Bystander Shot in Queens Robbery

Gary Worthy, a 57-year-old lifetime parolee with 17 prior arrests including murder and robbery, was involved in a violent crime spree in Queens, New York, where he shot an NYPD officer and an innocent bystander. Worthy was on lifetime parole for firearms possession and was last arrested just six days prior for narcotics and resisting arrest. During his robberies on Tuesday, he fired a gun at both a bodega and a smoke shop, prompting police response after witnesses called 911. Officer Rich Wong was shot in the thigh during the encounter while attempting to apprehend Worthy, who was shot in the face and later died at a hospital. Both Wong and a 26-year-old woman caught in the crossfire are expected to recover. Mayor Eric Adams criticized the criminal justice system for allowing Worthy, a repeat offender, to remain free, echoing frustrations from law enforcement about ongoing violence against officers.