New York Police officers shot by migrant who crossed US border just MONTHS before attack
Two police officers have been shot by a 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant just months after he illegally crossed the border into the US
NYPD
Two police officers have been shot by a 19-year-old Venezuelan migrant just months after he illegally crossed the border into the US, police sources say.
The NYPD officers tried to pull over the teenager who was riding a motorised scooter on Monday morning.
Police spotted the motorcyclist - identified as Bernardo Castro Mata - driving the wrong way down a street at 89th Street and 23rd Avenue in Elmhurst at around 1.40am.
The suspect reportedly dumped the bike and fled on foot.
During the pursuit, the teenager allegedly pulled out an illegal gun and fired multiple shots at the officers
NYPD
During the pursuit, the teenager allegedly pulled out an illegal gun and fired multiple shots at the officers.
Officer Christopher Abreu, 26, took a bullet to the leg while his partner, Richard Yarusso, also 26, was hit in the front of his bulletproof vest.
One of the officers fired back and shot the suspect in the ankle.
NYPD Commissioner Edward Caban said Mata had been living at the migrant shelter in the former Courtyard Marriott Hotel near LaGuardia Airport.
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He entered the US by crossing the Eagle Pass, Texas, in July last year, law enforcement sources told The Post.
The 19-year-old was transported to NewYork-Presbyterian Queens for surgery.
Caban added that the two injured officers were in "good spirits" after receiving treatment at Elmhurst General Hospital.
They were released from hospital this morning and greeted by a huge round of applause.
New York Mayor Eric Adams praised the two officers during a press conference
NYPD
Showing a press conference the bullet hole in one of officer’s vest, Mayor Eric Adams said: "Because of this vest, a young police officer is going home.
"A senseless act of violence. Total disregard for life.
"Our officers responded with a level of discipline, a level of focus, a level of professionalism. Today we thank God."