QUEENS, N.Y. (PIX11) – An NYPD officer who was shot in the line of duty in Queens was released from the hospital on Wednesday.
Officer Rich Wong, 36, was shot in his thigh while trying to arrest an armed robbery suspect in Jamaica Tuesday evening, police said.
Wong left Jamaica Hospital surrounded by family and friends. He received applause from a large crowd of police officers who gathered outside the hospital.
Wong was shot while trying to arrest 57-year-old Gary Worthy, who was wanted for allegedly committing two armed robberies at a deli and smoke shop in Queens Tuesday evening.
Wong and another NYPD officer attempted to arrest Worthy near Jamaica Avenue and 161st Street around 6:30 p.m., but Worthy allegedly took off running and shot Wong in his leg, according to police.
Wong returned fire and killed Worthy, police said.
A 26-year-old bystander was also shot in her leg during the incident, police said. It’s unclear who shot the woman. She is also expected to survive.
Worthy had a lengthy criminal history, according to police.
“He has 17 priors that include murder, robbery, burglary, and narcotics possession. He was on lifetime parole for firearms possession. His last arrest was six days ago for possession of felony narcotics and resisting arrest. He was [released on recognizance] on that charge,” NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said. “Since he was on lifetime parole, he’s been arrested seven other times since 2021.”
Worthy was also a suspect in three other gunpoint robberies that happened within the past month, police said.
Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.
