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In the aftermath of a violent night in Queens, an NYPD officer and a civilian were injured during a shootout that also resulted in the death of a 57-year-old career criminal, Gary Worthy. Worthy, a lifetime parolee with a long criminal record, had allegedly just committed armed robberies at a bodega and a smoke shop prior to the confrontation with police.

On Tuesday evening, Worthy was said to have held up both businesses at gunpoint, firing a shot in each robbery while demanding cash. His activities prompted a police search, starting after the first robbery around 5:30 p.m. The breakthrough came less than an hour later when a witness directed officers to Worthy, who had just committed the second robbery at the smoke shop on Guy Brewer Boulevard.

Police caught up with Worthy near the corner of Jamaica Avenue and 160th Street at approximately 6:30 p.m. When ordered to stop, Worthy reportedly fled, drawing an illegal firearm and firing at Officer Rich Wong. Wong, an officer with seven years of service, was struck in the thigh but managed to return fire, hitting Worthy in the face. Worthy was later pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital.

The gunfire also wounded a 26-year-old woman who was caught in the crossfire. Both she and Officer Wong are expected to make full recoveries. The incident caused a chaotic scene on one of Queens' busiest streets, prompting hundreds of pedestrians to flee in panic. Jennifer Wilson, a local resident who was nearby when the shooting happened, described the ensuing chaos as “madness” and “really scary.”

Worthy had a criminal history spanning numerous offenses, including a prior murder conviction. Recently on lifetime parole for firearms possession, he had been arrested just six days prior but released back onto the streets. Worthy was also a suspect in three other recent armed robberies in Queens, where a single shot was fired in each case.

New York City Mayor Eric Adams criticized the criminal justice system for allowing Worthy’s release after his latest arrest for felony narcotics possession and resisting arrest. His sentiments were echoed by senior NYPD officials and Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association. They expressed frustration with what they see as a system that repeatedly fails to keep dangerous individuals off the streets.

Despite the tragic events, New York's police forces remain committed to protecting the city's citizens. However, the incident has highlighted ongoing concerns regarding the effectiveness of the criminal justice system in preventing recurrent violent crimes.