Two New York City Police Department officers were shot by an illegal migrant driving a scooter on Monday morning.
The shooter, Bernardo Raul Castro-Mata, 19, of Venezuela, entered the country illegally through Eagle Pass, Texas, in July 2023.
According to a report from Fox News, the shooting took place just before 1:45 a.m. at the intersection of 89th Street and 23rd Avenue in Queens.
The officers belong to the 115th Precinct’s public safety unit and had attempted to pull Castro-Mata over for driving a scooter the wrong way. Scooters have reportedly been widely used for robberies by groups of migrants.
Castro-Mata attempted to flee on foot, and a chase began. He then turned and shot at the officers — who returned fire.
The suspect was shot in the ankle and transported to the hospital for treatment.
"One officer was shot in the stomach area of his bullet-proof vest, while the other officer was shot in the leg. Both officers were rushed to hospitals in stable condition and are expected to recover," Fox reports.
Both officers have since been released from the hospital.
Fox reports:While Castro Mata has no prior arrests in New York City, police said he is a suspect in multiple robbery patterns in and around New York, with some of the more recent incidents happening in Queens.
Castro Mata is accused of stealing purses, wallets and other belongings before speeding off on his moped.
The two NYPD officers recognized Mata early Monday, according to the source, and tried to stop him on the scooter before the shooting unfolded.
During a press conference, New York City Mayor Eric Adams held up the officer's bulletproof vest and lamented, "Every day, New Yorkers are not wearing this."
"This is what we’re fighting every day," Adams continued, condemning the "senseless act of violence" and a "total disregard for life."
Patrick Hendry, president of the Police Benevolent Association in New York City, said during a press conference that the officers had risked their lives to keep New Yorkers safe.
"The one police officer, shot in the vest, was more concerned about his partner, saving his life, getting a tourniquet," Hendry said. "That’s what partners do in the NYPD; they save each other’s lives."
Fox reports that Castro Mata was living at a former Courtyard Marriott hotel in Queens that is now being used as a migrant shelter.
