19-year-old Venezuelan migrant Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, who allegedly shot two NYPD officers, has accused the notorious Tren de Aragua gang of smuggling firearms into city-run shelters using food delivery bags. Mata, facing two counts of attempted murder and a slew of other charges, made these statements during his arraignment in Queens County Criminal Court on Wednesday.
Mata, who entered the U.S. illegally in 2023, confessed to being a member of the Tren de Aragua gang. According to prosecutors, he disclosed that guns are smuggled into shelters through food delivery packages to bypass metal detectors. “Tren de Aragua members are smuggling firearms into city shelters in food delivery packages,” Mata allegedly stated.
The incident in question occurred on June 3 when NYPD Officers Richard Yarusso and Christopher Abreu attempted to pull over Mata for riding an unregistered scooter the wrong way on a one-way street in East Elmhurst. Mata resisted arrest, leading to a chase during which he allegedly fired at the officers, hitting Yarusso in his bulletproof vest and Abreu in the leg. Both officers were treated at Elmhurst Hospital and later released.
Prosecutors presented audio recordings in court where Mata admitted his involvement in gang activities and his familiarity with the use of firearms against police. “It’s common practice for Tren de Aragua gang members to shoot at police officers because Venezuelan police officers shoot at gang members for minor infractions,” Mata reportedly told investigators.
The case has drawn significant attention, with a strong police presence in the courtroom as a show of solidarity. “Anyone who attacks a police officer needs to be prosecuted, sentenced, and then deported,” stated Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry.
Mata’s defense attorney entered a not-guilty plea, and the judge granted a request for protective custody due to the potential risks Mata faces after turning against his gang. “We’d like to make sure that he comes to trial and is held accountable for attempted murder of two counts, against the police officers,” said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz.
Mata remains in custody, with his next court appearance scheduled for September 16.
