Gunman Arrested After Two NYPD Officers Were Shot
In a dramatic early morning chase in Queens on Monday, two New York police officers were shot by a Venezuelan migrant, highlighting the escalating tensions surrounding immigration and crime. The suspect, 19-year-old Bernardo Castro Mata, who entered the U.S. illegally last year, shot Officer Richard Yarusso in his bullet-proof vest and Officer Christopher Abreu in the leg during a scuffle to disarm him.
The officers received a hero's send-off as they left Elmhurst General Hospital later that day. In a poignant moment, Yarusso pushed his partner's wheelchair past lines of applauding colleagues and supporters.
Details have emerged about Mata's entry into the U.S. He reportedly crossed into the country via Eagle Pass, Texas, in July 2023 and was released without any tracking as part of a “mass amnesty” program under the Biden administration.
On the night of the incident, Officers Yarusso and Abreu were investigating a series of robberies involving criminals on mopeds in Elmhurst. Around 1:40 a.m., they spotted Mata driving a black scooter without plates and going the wrong way down a street. When they attempted to stop him, Mata ditched the scooter and fled. The officers caught up with him several blocks away, leading to a physical confrontation. Mata then pulled out an illegal Hi-Point .380 pistol from a fanny pack. During the struggle, the gun went off, hitting Yarusso in his vest. Mata then shot Abreu in the leg, while Abreu managed to return fire, hitting Mata in the ankle.
Despite being shot, Yarusso's priority was his partner. He quickly applied a tourniquet to Abreu's leg and rushed him to Elmhurst in their police car.
Mata, who has no criminal record in New York but was a suspect in two recent violent robberies, was taken to NewYork-Presbyterian Queens in stable condition. He is expected to face charges including attempted murder of a police officer and illegal weapons possession.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban revealed that Mata had been living at a migrant shelter near LaGuardia Airport, which is close to the scene of the shooting. The shelter has recently installed metal detectors following incidents involving other residents.
The incident has sparked outrage and calls for policy changes. Two City Council members plan to introduce a bill this week to repeal New York City's “Sanctuary City” laws, which limit local law enforcement's cooperation with federal immigration authorities unless the cases involve suspected terrorists or serious public safety risks.
The shooting of the officers, both of whom are single, has also reignited debates over the benefits and challenges of accommodating migrants in New York City. Neighbors and officials alike have expressed frustration over the incident, questioning the suspect’s motives and the policies that allowed him to remain in the country.
Mayor Eric Adams praised the officers' bravery, showing off the bullet hole in one of their vests during a press conference. "Because of this vest, a young police officer is going home," Adams said, emphasizing the senseless nature of the violence and the discipline and professionalism of the officers.
Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry voiced the frustrations of many, questioning why Mata ran, why he carried a firearm, and why he was not afraid to shoot at police officers. Hendry called for changes to the criminal justice system, reflecting a broader call for reform in the wake of this and similar incidents.
The officers were part of the 115th Precinct’s public safety unit, with Abreu having served for five years and Yarusso for two and a half years. Their uniforms, marked with name tags and shields, served as a stark reminder of their dedication and the risks they face daily.
As the debate over immigration and public safety continues, this incident underscores the complex and often contentious relationship between policy, enforcement, and community safety.