QUEENS, NY – Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz announced today the arraignment of 19-year-old Bernardo Raul Castro Mata on charges stemming from the shooting of two NYPD officers. The incident occurred on June 3, when officers attempted to stop Mata for riding an unregistered motorcycle the wrong way down a one-way street in East Elmhurst.
The grand jury indicted Mata on 20 counts, including two counts of first-degree attempted murder, two counts of second-degree attempted murder, and two counts of attempted aggravated assault upon a police officer, among other related charges. Mata, who is currently undomiciled, also faces charges related to weapons possession, resisting arrest, and various traffic violations.
During the arraignment, it was recounted how the confrontation escalated: Mata fled on foot after being approached by officers, leading to a chase. Upon being caught, Mata resisted arrest and subsequently fired at the officers at close range. Officer Christopher Abreu was shot in the leg, and Officer Richard Yarusso was hit in the lower chest but was protected by his bullet-resistant vest. Mata was subdued after Officer Abreu returned fire, injuring Mata in the foot and ankle.
District Attorney Katz emphasized the gravity of the charges, stating, “An attempt on the lives of two police officers simply making a traffic stop should offend every New Yorker.” If convicted of the top charges, Mata could face up to 40 years to life in prison for each count of attempted murder in the first degree.
Justice Kenneth Holder has scheduled Mata’s next court appearance for September 16. Both injured officers have been treated for their injuries and released from the hospital.