In a gripping courtroom revelation, a Venezuelan migrant accused of shooting two NYPD officers unveils a chilling underworld connection, alleging a notorious gang's covert scheme to smuggle firearms into city shelters disguised as food deliveries.
In a gripping courtroom session on Wednesday, shocking details emerged as Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, a 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant accused of shooting two NYPD officers, made startling allegations against the Tren de Aragua gang. According to prosecutors at his Queens arraignment, Mata, who confessed to being a gang member, revealed that the notorious group is smuggling guns into New York City shelters concealed within food delivery packages to evade metal detectors.
Mata, who entered the US illegally last year and reportedly works for DoorDash, faces a formidable 20-count indictment, including charges of attempted murder for the June 3 incident. Prosecutors described a chaotic scene where Mata allegedly fired a .380-caliber pistol at officers Christopher Abreu and Richard Yarusso during a scooter-based traffic stop. Yarusso was struck in the chest, and Abreu in the leg, before responding officers returned fire, injuring Mata in the ankle.
From his hospital bed, Mata initially claimed the shooting was accidental, asserting that he only intended to display the weapon to officers out of fear. This account contradicts police bodycam footage and statements, according to law enforcement officials.
During the arraignment, Mata’s defense attorney entered a plea of not guilty and requested protective custody for her client, citing safety concerns. Judge Kenneth C. Holder granted the request, ordering Mata to be held without bail pending trial.
The dramatic court proceedings underscored the complex intersection of immigration, gang violence, and law enforcement challenges in New York City, casting a spotlight on the dangers faced by police officers and the broader implications of gang activity within vulnerable communities.
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