Migrant Arraigned for Attempted Murder of NYPD Officers in Queens

Bernardo Raul Castro Mata allegedly shot two officers at point-blank range during a traffic stop, leading to a crackdown on illegal vehicles.

Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, a 19-year-old migrant from Venezuela, was arraigned on charges including attempted murder after allegedly shooting two NYPD officers.
The incident occurred during a traffic stop in Queens, where Castro Mata reportedly opened fire at point-blank range, injuring both officers.
Castro Mata, considered a flight risk, was ordered held without bail and will be sent to Rikers Island once released from the hospital.
The suspect had multiple credit cards linked to previous robberies and was staying at a migrant shelter in Queens.
Following the shooting, NYPD conducted a crackdown on illegal vehicles, seizing numerous ATVs, motorbikes, and mopeds.