Introduction
A Venezuelan migrant was arraigned for multiple charges, including the attempted murder of two NYPD officers. The suspect, Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, allegedly confessed to being a member of a violent Venezuelan gang involved in smuggling firearms into migrant shelters.
Incident and Arrest
Mata, a 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant, was arrested after allegedly shooting two NYPD officers. The incident occurred when officers attempted to pull him over for driving an unregistered scooter the wrong way on a one-way street in East Elmhurst. Mata resisted arrest, leading to a chase during which he fired at the officers, injuring them.
Gang Affiliation and Smuggling Allegations
During questioning, Mata reportedly confessed to being a member of the Tren de Aragua gang, a notorious Venezuelan criminal organization. He claimed that the gang smuggles firearms into city-run shelters by hiding them inside food delivery packages to evade metal detectors. Mata also stated that he was recruited by a cousin to join the gang for committing robberies.
Court Proceedings and Protective Custody
In court, prosecutors presented audio recordings of Mata’s confession, which included details of his gang’s operations and his involvement in the shooting. Mata’s attorney requested protective custody for him, citing the danger he faces after revealing gang secrets. The judge granted this request, and Mata was held without bail.
Company Response
DoorDash, the company Mata claimed to work for, stated that they have no record of his employment. The investigation continues as authorities look into the gang’s smuggling activities and their impact on migrant shelters in the city.
