A shootout in Queens on Tuesday evening left an NYPD officer and an innocent bystander injured while a career criminal on lifetime parole was fatally shot by police.

The incident occurred after the suspect, identified as 57-year-old Gary Worthy, allegedly committed two armed robberies, according to the NYPD.

Worthy, who had an extensive criminal record with 17 prior arrests, including a conviction for manslaughter, allegedly robbed a bodega and a smoke shop in Jamaica, Queens.

Trump Surges To Victory – Get the Ultimate Trumpinator Bobblehead To Celebrate 2024!

Both robberies involved Worthy brandishing a firearm and firing a single shot before demanding cash, authorities said.

Officers were canvassing the area after the first robbery when a witness directed them to Worthy, who had just allegedly robbed the smoke shop on Guy Brewer Boulevard around 6:30 p.m.

Officers recognized Worthy as matching the description of the suspect from the earlier robbery and attempted to stop him near the corner of Jamaica Avenue and 160th Street.

Instead of complying, Worthy fled and reportedly drew his firearm.

During the pursuit, he shot Officer Rich Wong, a seven-year veteran of the 103rd Precinct, in the thigh.

Wong returned fire, striking Worthy in the face.

Worthy was pronounced dead at Jamaica Hospital Medical Center.

Officer Wong was transported to Jamaica Hospital for treatment and is expected to make a full recovery.

A 26-year-old woman, caught in the crossfire, was also injured but is similarly expected to recover, authorities confirmed.

The gunfire caused widespread panic along the busy Jamaica Avenue. Witnesses described the chaos, with hundreds of people running for cover.

Jennifer Wilson, a mother who was nearby, recalled hearing the gunshots while picking up dinner. “It’s very, very scary, very unsettling, very disturbing,” she said.

Another witness, Harry Jaikarran, who had just left a nearby hospital, said he saw Worthy’s body lying on the ground after the shootout. “For 45 years, I’ve lived in America, I never heard a gunshot like this. I got afraid. I never seen a shooting,” he said.

Worthy’s extensive criminal history and recent activities were revealed following the incident.

He had been on lifetime parole since his release in 2021 after serving 12 years for convictions related to firearms, controlled substances, and burglary. He was previously convicted of manslaughter in 1994.

Since his release, Worthy had been arrested seven times, including for felony narcotics possession and resisting arrest just days before the shootout.

Despite his parole violations and recent offenses, Worthy remained free.

Police also linked him to three additional gunpoint robberies in Queens between October 31 and November 15, during which he allegedly fired a shot at each scene.

The incident has drawn sharp criticism from city officials and law enforcement leaders, who pointed to failures in the criminal justice system that allowed Worthy to remain on the streets despite his extensive criminal record and parole violations.

“We’re angry because we have witnessed in two days a criminal justice system that is failing New Yorkers, the good people of this city,” Mayor Eric Adams said during a press conference at Jamaica Hospital.

Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association, echoed those sentiments. “I can tell you who doesn’t have your back — our criminal justice system. It continues to let us down every single day,” Hendry said.

Despite the criticism, NYPD officials reaffirmed their commitment to public safety, promising to continue removing dangerous criminals from the streets.