QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz has announced charges against 19-year-old Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, including two counts of attempted murder, following a violent confrontation with NYPD officers.
Early Monday morning, NYPD officers observed Mata driving the wrong way on an unregistered motorcycle without a helmet on Ditmars Boulevard, East Elmhurst. Upon trying to apprehend him, Mata dismounted and fled, leading to a chase involving officers Christopher Abreu, Richard Yarusso, and NYPD Sergeant Nicholas Condos.
The pursuit ended when Mata allegedly fired a gun at the officers during an attempt to arrest him, striking Officer Yarusso in the chest, although his bullet-resistant vest absorbed the shot, and Officer Abreu in the thigh. Mata was subsequently shot in the foot and ankle by Officer Abreu and taken into custody.
Mata, who remains hospitalized, faces a 17-count complaint which includes first and second-degree attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, and several other charges. If convicted of the top charges, he could face up to 40 years to life in prison for each count of attempted murder.
District Attorney Katz praised the bravery of the NYPD officers and emphasized the risks they face daily. The incident underscores ongoing concerns about violent encounters involving law enforcement in New York City. Mata is scheduled for a court appearance on June 7.