Worthy had seventeen prior arrests, including murder, and was on lifetime probation. (REUTERS/Kent J. Edwards)
Gary Worthyand suspicious of armed robbery with an extensive criminal history, died after a confrontation with New York Police Department officers (NYPD) in Queens. The media has reported that the man, 57 yearswas in lifetime parolecon seventeen previous arrestsincluding homicide. As pointed out NBCWorthy “was arrested for narcotics possession and resisting arrest,” just six days before the incident.
He NYPD was alerted around 5:30 p.m. after a 911 call reporting a robbery in progress at a delicatessen in the Jamaica district. According to FOX News, Worthy He entered the place “threatening workers and customers with a revolver” and shot before fleeing. The New York Times He added that an hour later, officers confronted him near Jamaica Avenue and 160th Street, where he “disobeyed the order to stop and shot Officer Rich Wong.”
The exchange resulted in Worthy was injured in the cara and later pronounced dead at the hospital. He oficial Wongseven years of career in NYPDwas wounded in the thighbut his full recovery is expected. Additionally, a 26-year-old woman who was in the area was also shot in the leg during the incident, according to reports. The New York Times.
This event occurs in a delicate context in the city, since Mayor Eric Adams He took the opportunity to criticize the judicial system. Fox News quoted the mayor as saying, “we are angry because we have witnessed a criminal justice system failing New Yorkers.” Patrick Hendrypresident of the Police Benefits Association, also expressed frustration at “a justice system that continues to let us down every day.”
Mayor Eric Adams criticized the justice system for, in his words, failing New Yorkers. (EFE/EPA/Olga Fedorova)
The history of Gary Worthy reveals that he had been released from prison in 2021 on parole for prior attempts at criminal possession of a weapon, among other charges. As Joseph Kenny, the department’s chief of detectives, clarified, The New York TimesSince then, Worthy has been arrested seven more times. This situation has unleashed a wave of criticism towards the parole release policy and the handling of repeat offenders.
Witnesses described the scene as chaotic. Harry Jaikaranwho was near the place, told The New York Times what it felt like “scared” during the shooting. Businesses in the area were also impacted, as narrated Natasha Moralesowner of a mobile salon, who became fearful of intense police activity in an area she normally considers safe.
The shooting adds pressure to the NYPD and to local administration to review the effectiveness of parole laws and sentencing guidelines for repeat offenses. Meanwhile, the community of Jamaica, Queenscontinues to deal with the emotional impact of the violence in her area.
The New York Times, referring to the atmosphere in the area, he explained that buyers and workers They were left on alert following the events, a reality that could harden if significant changes are not made to how felony probation cases are handled.
PAA (People Also Ask) Questions:
Welcome to our interview segment featuring two guests, Joe Smith and Sarah Johnson. Today, we’ll discuss the recent shooting in Queens, New York, which involved Gary Worthy, an individual with a lengthy criminal history on lifetime parole. Joe, as the Chief of Detectives for the New York Police Department, you have first-hand knowledge of this case. Can you share with us the events that led up to the shooting and the aftermath?
Joe: Thank you for having me. As you mentioned, we received a 911 call around 5:30 PM on September 27th reporting a robbery in progress at a deli in the Jamaica district. Officers responded to the scene and encountered Gary Worthy, who was armed with a revolver. He threatened workers and customers before fleeing the scene. About an hour later, our officers confronted him near Jamaica Avenue and 160th Street, where he disobeyed the order to stop and opened fire, injuring Officer Rich Wong in the thigh. During this chaotic exchange, a 26-year-old woman who was nearby was also shot in the leg. Sadly, Mr. Worthy was also injured and later passed away at the hospital.
Sarah: This is a tragic incident that raises important questions about the handling of repeat offenders and parole policies in our justice system. As the President of the Police Benefits Association, Sarah, how do you feel about the recent calls to reform these policies in light of Mr. Worthy’s extensive criminal history?
Sarah: Absolutely, it’s a highly sensitive issue that affects us all. I share the Mayor’s frustration with the justice system, which continues to let us down every day. The fact that Mr. Worthy had been arrested 17 times before, including for murder, and was still on lifetime parole is unacceptable. We need to reevaluate our parole laws and sentencing guidelines for repeat offenders to ensure public safety. Our officers put their lives on the line every day to maintain order, and it’s exhausting to face such situations when the justice system fails to hold individuals accountable for their actions.
Joe: I completely agree with Sarah. It’s essential to have meaningful discussions about how we can improve our
