Bernardo Raul Castro-Mata, a 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant, shot two NYPD officers in East Elmhurst after they stopped him for riding an illegal scooter just before 2 am.
According to Daily Mail, Castro-Mata, who entered the US in July of the previous year through Eagle Pass, Texas, opened fire during the police stop.
Details of the Queens Shooting Incident
At approximately 1:40 AM in Queens, Bernardo Raul Castro-Mata was confronted by NYPD officers while riding an unregistered scooter in the wrong direction down a one-way highway.
NYPD officials stated that Castro-Mata, in an attempt to evade capture, shot at the officers with an unlicensed firearm before fleeing on foot.
During the gunfire exchange, one officer sustained a leg injury while another was fortunate to have the bullet stopped by their bulletproof vest. The wounded were promptly attended to, ensuring no life-threatening injuries.
The altercation didn't end without consequences for Castro-Mata, who suffered a gunshot wound to his ankle. He was later found, arrested, and taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Queens Hospital for surgery.
Rising Crime Involving Scooters
Investigations reveal that Castro-Mata has been allegedly engaged in a series of violent acts. "We're looking at him for several other robbery patterns in the Queens area where he does have other co-defendants," detailed NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny.
This incident is part of a troubling trend in New York City, where robberies involving motorized scooters and motorbikes have surged dramatically.
From no recorded incidents in the first half of 2022, the city witnessed an increase to 20 similar robbery patterns by mid-2023, escalating to more than 80 citywide instances in the current year.
New York Mayor Eric Adams expressed his dismay over the incident, emphasizing it as a "senseless act of violence, a total disregard for life." He commended the quick response and professionalism of the NYPD officers involved.
Background of the Suspect
Castro-Mata is a recent migrant from Venezuela, having entered the United States illegally in July of last year through Eagle Pass, Texas. Since his entry, he has been residing at a migrant shelter close to the shooting scene on Ditmars Boulevard.
No prior arrests of Castro-Mata were recorded in New York City before this incident. However, he is suspected of partaking in criminal engagements specifically aimed at exploiting the mobility that scooters provide to commit heists.
The recovery of the firearm used in the shooting marked a pivotal point in the investigation, helping law enforcement officers piece together various elements of the harmful altercation.
Conclusion
The attempted police stop of Bernardo Raul Castro-Mata, leading to the shooting incident, brings critical attention to the issue of motorized vehicle-related crimes in urban settings and the ongoing risks faced by law enforcement personnel.
The quick response and resilience of the officers, the ongoing investigations into Castro-Mata’s possibly extended criminal involvements, and the broader implications of such crimes on public safety frame a complex scenario requiring vigilant and decisive action.
