Two NYPD Officers Shot Chasing Robbery Suspect in Queens; Mayor Condemns Violence
June 3, 2024Two NYPD officers, Richard Yarusso and Christopher Abreu, were shot and injured while pursuing a moped-riding suspect in Queens.
The suspect, 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, is linked to recent robberies involving stolen cellphones and multiple scooter and moped robbery patterns.
During the chase, Castro was shot in the leg, while Officer Yarusso was saved by his bulletproof vest and Officer Abreu was shot in the leg.
Mayor Eric Adams condemned the violence as senseless and highlighted the risks faced by law enforcement officers.
Both officers were treated and released from Elmhurst Hospital, with their actions described as heroic.
Castro, who entered the US illegally in 2023 and was residing in a migrant shelter, is facing pending charges for the incident.
The NYPD has reported an increase in crimes involving scooters and motorcycles this year, emphasizing the dangers faced by officers on duty.
Summary based on 30 sources
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Sources
The New York Times • Jun 3, 2024
Two N.Y.P.D. Officers Shot Overnight in QueensYahoo News • Jun 3, 2024
2 NYPD cops shot, wounded by migrant on scooter during Queens traffic stopYahoo News • Jun 3, 2024
2 New York City police officers hurt in shootout with moped-riding robbery suspect: Officials