QUEENS, NY—Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced that Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, 19, faces serious charges including two counts of attempted murder following a shooting incident involving NYPD officers.
The event occurred early Monday morning in East Elmhurst, where Mata was initially stopped for riding the wrong way on an unregistered motorcycle.
During the police intervention, Mata allegedly dismounted his motorcycle and fled on foot. When the officers, identified as Christopher Abreu and Richard Yarusso, caught up and attempted to arrest him, Mata reportedly fired his weapon. Officer Abreu was hit in the leg, and Officer Yarusso was shot at point-blank range in the chest, although his bullet-resistant vest prevented more serious injury.
District Attorney Katz emphasized the dangers NYPD officers face daily and stated that Mata is being charged with multiple offenses. These include two counts each of attempted murder in the first and second degrees, assault in the first degree, and criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree, among other charges.
Mata, who is currently undomiciled, was arraigned via video from a local hospital where he is receiving treatment.
If convicted of the top count, he could face up to 40 years to life in prison for each attempted murder charge. Judge Jeffrey Gershuny has remanded Mata, with a court return scheduled for June 7.