In Astoria, Queens, two NYPD officers, Richard Yarusso and Christopher Abreu, were wounded in a shootout with robbery suspect Bernardo Raul Castro-Mata.

Castro-Mata, a 19-year-old illegal immigrant from Venezuela, was pursued on a motorized scooter, leading to an exchange of gunfire.

Both officers were injured, with one saved by his bullet-resistant vest; the suspect was shot in the ankle and hospitalized, with charges pending.

Castro-Mata, suspected in multiple robberies across Queens, remains in custody with an immigration detainer placed against him.

The incident highlights the increase in robberies involving motorized scooters in the city.

Mayor Eric Adams emphasized the importance of bullet-resistant vests in protecting law enforcement officers.

The investigation is ongoing, with recovered illegal firearms at the scene and collaboration between federal and local law enforcement agencies to address immigration-related crimes.

Neighborhood residents have expressed concerns about rising crime rates, supported by statistics showing an uptick in various incidents.

Officers Yarusso and Abreu, from Long Island, are expected to make full recoveries and are praised for their bravery.