An illegal immigrant shot two NYPD officers with an illegal gun while fleeing on an unregistered motorbike.
A 19-year-old Venezuelan, Bernardo Raul Castro-Mata, who entered the United States illegally in July 2021 at Eagle Pass, TX, was arrested for shooting two police officers during a pursuit. He had been living at taxpayer's expense at a Marriot Courtyard Hotel in New York City, which is being used as a shelter for illegal immigrants. The NYPD reported that immigration officials in Texas released Castro with a court date, but he then relocated to NYC.
Castro was driving a scooter the wrong way down a one-way street when officers attempted to pull him over. Castro fled, ditched the scooter, and took off on foot.
Officers pursued him for several blocks before Castro opened fire on both officers. One officer was shot in his bulletproof vest, and the other was shot in the leg. Castro was shot in the ankle as officers returned fire. The suspect's illegal gun was recovered at the scene, as was the unregistered motorbike.
NYPD Chief of Detectives Joseph Kenny said that Castro “is a suspect in several robbery patterns currently going on in the borough of Queens.” “Similar scooters and bikes are being used citywide to commit crimes. These crimes include shootings, robberies, and phone snatches.”
Patrick Hendry, NYPD Police Benevolent Association president, said on X, “While most NYers were sleeping last night, our two injured NYPD115 Pct brothers were on the street, confronting a dangerous criminal, saving each other’s lives and protecting the public. We’re thankful they’ll be OK — but the message on our streets must change.”
One of the officers wrestled the suspect for the weapon when he was shot. Then, Castro shot the other officer in the leg. The first officer, who was shot in his vest “was more concerned about his partner and quickly applied a tourniquet to his fellow officer's leg,” said Hendry.
In a statement released following the shooting, Rep. Nicole Malliotakis (R-11) said, “This morning, New Yorkers woke up to the news that yet again, two NYPD officers were senselessly attacked, this time shot, by a migrant in Queens,” Malliotakis said. “(T)his attack is a direct result of President Biden’s 60 border policy changes, Mayor Adams’ misinterpretation of Right to Shelter and New York City and State’s misguided sanctuary policies.”
“By refusing to cooperate with ICE officials to detain and deport dangerous criminals, Mayor Adams and the City Council are allowing illegal migrants to continue wreaking havoc on our streets, all at the taxpayers’ expense,” Malliotakis added.
Both officers were treated and released to recover at home. The suspect underwent surgery after being shot in the ankle during the pursuit.