Illegal Immigrant Who Shot Two NYPD Officers at Close Range Is Shot by one of the officers

On Monday, June 3, 2024, at approximately 1:38 a.m., NYPD Police Officers Christopher Abreu, Officer Richard Yarusso, and Sergeant Nicholas Condos, observed 19-year-old Bernardo Castro-Mata operating an unregistered motorcycle, against the flow of one-way traffic and without wearing a helmet, in the vicinity of Ditmars Boulevard and 90th Street, Queens. The officers attempted to stop Castro-Mata, however, Castro-Mata abandoned the scooter and fled on foot. Officer Abreu, Officer Yarusso, and Sergeant Condos pursued Castro-Mata and caught up with him opposite 88-08 23rd Avenue where a struggle ensued. During the struggle, Mata removed a firearm from his crossbody bag and shot Officer Yarusso in the lower chest at point-blank range. The officer’s bullet-resistant vest stopped the bullet. Mata also shot Officer Abreu, striking him in the upper right thigh area.

As a result, Officer Abreu discharged four shots, shooting Castro-Mata in the foot and ankle area, at which point the defendant let go of the firearm and was placed in handcuffs. Ballistics evidence recovered from the scene revealed that Castro-Mata discharged at least three shots from his firearm. Castro-Mata was transported from the scene via ambulance to New York Presbyterian Hospital - Queens where he was treated for his injuries. Officer Abreu and Officer Yarusso were transported to Elmhurst Hospital Center where they were both treated for a gunshot wound. Police recovered a loaded Hi-Point .380-caliber pistol at the scene as well as two deformed fired bullets, nine bullet fragments, three discharged .380-caliber shell casings, and four 9 mm discharged shell casings. For his actions, Castro-Mata was arrested and charged with Attempted Murder in the First Degree (police officer) and Second Degree, Attempted Assault in the First Degree, Assault in the Second Degree, Criminal Possession of a Weapon (loaded firearm), and related charges.

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