Northeast
Illegal migrant from Venezuela allegedly shot NYPD officers at 'point-blank range,' ordered held without bail
The illegal immigrant accused of shooting two New York City Police Department officers in Queens was arraigned on attempted murder and other charges on Wednesday, as prosecutors outlined how the suspect allegedly opened fire at “point-blank range” during a struggle on the ground.
Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, 19, appeared remotely from his hospital bed to be arraigned in Queens Criminal Court in connection to the shooting of Officers Richard Yarusso and Christopher Abreu.
Judge Jeffrey Gershuny ordered Castro Mato, who is recovering from a gunshot wound to the ankle, held without bail on charges of attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, resisting arrest and obstructing governmental administration, the New York Daily News reported. More than 50 police officers attended the hearing in person to show support for Yarusso and Abreu.
Queens Assistant District Attorney Lauren Reilly said Castro Mata was the “very definition of a flight risk,” given he was “fleeing from uniformed police officers before shooting two police officers.”
Authorities said Yarusso and Abreu were investigating a robbery pattern involving thieves on mopeds and scooters when they spotted Castro Mata on a scooter without a helmet riding the wrong way on 82nd St. near 23rd Ave. in East Elmhurst around 1:40 a.m. Monday. In court Wednesday, prosecutors said Castro Mata was riding an “unregistered motorcycle,” the Daily News reported.
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When the officers attempted to pull the migrant over, he fled on foot. One officer ran after him on foot, while the other followed in the police cruiser. The officers soon tackled Castro Mata to the ground.
Bernardo Castro Mata, 19, appears in Queens Criminal Court on Wednesday, June 5, 2024, on attempted murder and other charges for allegedly shooting New York Police Department officers Christopher Abreu and Richard Yarusso. (Barry Williams/New York Daily News/Pool/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
“During the struggle, [Castro Mata] reached inside a crossbody bag that was across his chest, removed the firearm, put the gun against Officer Yarusso’s chest and shot Officer Yarusso in the lower middle portion of his chest at point blank range,” Reilly said, according to Daily News. “The defendant then shot Officer Abreu straight in the upper right thigh area.”
Gershuny ordered that Castro Mata be sent to Rikers Island once he is released from the hospital.
“Trying to avoid a traffic stop using violence by any means necessary to get away leaves this court with no doubt whatsoever that he would flee with any means possible,” the judge said.
Police said Yarusso was wearing a bullet-resistant vest, which saved his life. Both officers were treated at Elmhurst Hospital and Yarusso pushed Abreu out in a wheelchair when they were both released hours after the shooting. Police returned fire during the struggle, and Castro Mata was shot in the ankle. He was taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens for treatment.
New York City Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry addressed the media outside the Queens courthouse after Castro Mata’s arraignment. (NYC PBA )
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“That night they both confronted a brazen, violent individual who wasn’t afraid to carry a gun and shoot two New York City police officers at point-blank range,” New York City Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry said at a press conference outside the courthouse.
“The skill, the grit of these two police officers was the reason they not only survived, they were able to stop that individual from hurting anyone else. Today, this court sent a message that they’re going to support these police officers who put their lives on the line every single day, just like these police officers and every New York City police officer out their lives on the line to protect New Yorkers,” Hendry, surrounded by dozens of officers, said. “But this message needs to be consistent: That if you attack a police officer, in every borough, in every courthouse across this city, they will be prosecuted. And those who are responsible for our public safety, owe it to every single New Yorker, every single police officer that they’re going to have a system in place that protects us all.”
Officer Richard Yarusso, who was shot in the chest and saved by his vest, wheeled his partner, Officer Christopher Abreu, who was shot in the leg, out of Elmhurst Hospital to the applause of NYPD brass and officers Monday, June 3, 2024. (Luiz C. Ribeiro for New York Daily News/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)
Police said Castro Mata entered the country illegally last July near El Paso, Texas and was staying at a former airport hotel-turned migrant shelter in the Elmhurst section of Queens. Citing sources, the New York Post reported that Castro Mata has a tattoo that signals to investigators he could be a member of Venezuela’s “bloodthirsty” Tren de Aragua gang.
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Prosecutors noted in court Wednesday that Mastro Mata’s .380-caliber pistol was recovered from the scene. It had two bullets left, one in the chamber and one in the magazine.
Castro Mata was found in possession of multiple credit cards, two of which were connected to gunpoint robberies in the Bronx carried out by thieves on scooters at the time of his arrest. He had been suspected in a string of robberies and a May 30 incident in which investigators believe he pulled a gun on a security guard at a Lot Less store in Queens and fled by scooter.
After the shooting, police conducted a massive crackdown on illegal vehicles Tuesday night, seizing 72 illegal ATVs, motorbikes and mopeds as well as three vehicles during the operation.
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New Hampshire
Concord Heights Abuse Of Corpse And Falsifying Evidence Case From May 2024 Inches Forward
Venus said after the hearing that Spataro remained in jail for bail jumping and fleeing to Connecticut, but he was not needed in court for the status conference.
A final pretrial hearing has been booked for Aug. 31, with jury selection to begin on Sept. 22.
Other Charges, Suspects
Along with the bail jumping felony, Spataro has seven felony acts, prohibited drug charges from February 2023 out of Concord — around the same time Meunier disappeared. He also has a subsequent drug possession charge from September 2024 in Hooksett. Those charges are also scheduled for a status conference on Aug. 31.
Jocelyn Cote, Spataro’s girlfriend at the time, was also charged with a felony accomplice evidence charge and an accomplice abuse of corpse charge. She was also arrested in January on a bail jumping charge and a bench warrant. The status of her cases is unknown at the time of publication.
A third person, Ryan Holton, also faces falsifying physical evidence and abuse of corpse charges. He had a status conference on June 10 and has a plea and sentencing hearing, with a capped plea, scheduled for Aug. 31.
Choosing New Jersey’s 10 best beaches was no day at the shore.
USA Today’s annual 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards asked beach lovers to vote on the Garden State’s top stretch of sand as part of a nationwide competition featuring coastal destinations in eight states and territories. Twenty Jersey Shore beaches made the final ballot — but only one could claim the crown.
Wildwood rode a tidal wave of votes to take the No. 1 spot, thanks to beaches stretching up to 500 yards wide that offer plenty of room for volleyball, surfing, boogie boarding and every other kind of seaside fun.
A unique beach taxi ferries visitors from the boardwalk closer to the water with their chairs and umbrellas in tow. When it’s time to leave the sand, the action shifts back to the boardwalk, where rides, games and endless food options keep the fun going.
The runner-up is Atlantic City, where the world-famous boardwalk, towering Ferris wheel, amusement rides and glittering casino skyline continue to make waves with visitors from near and far.
Surfing into third place is Sea Isle City — offering wide, soft beaches that invite visitors to stretch out under the sun before casting a line off the fishing pier or cooling off with a swim.
Cape May took the No. 4 spot with its family-friendly beaches, Victorian homes with tons of historic charm, a famous lighthouse and a bustling promenade.
At No. 5, Brigantine Beach proves nature lovers don’t have to drift far to find paradise, with scenic dunes, abundant wildlife and even the chance to drive on the sand in designated areas — with a permit.
Ocean City rolls in at No. 6, thanks to its legendary boardwalk packed with rides, games and family-friendly fun.
Catching the next wave at No. 7 is Long Beach Island, which boosts beautiful beaches, charming seaside communities and endless recreational activities.
Sliding into No. 8 is Avalon, an upscale beach town known for its soft sand, sparkling water and relaxed vibe that’s tailor-made for family vacations.
Just ahead at No. 9, Avon-by-the-Sea charms beachgoers with its tree-lined streets, Victorian homes and peaceful stretch of shoreline.
Making a splash at No. 10 is Asbury Park, where the vibrant boardwalk, live music and energetic atmosphere keep visitors coming back for an encore.
“New Jersey offers beachgoers 130 miles of coastline dotted with beaches, barrier islands, lighthouses, and scenic views. Hundreds of thousands of visitors come to the white sand beaches of the Jersey Shore each year, and it’s easy to see why,” USA Today wrote.
Twenty beaches made the final cut — but only one could take the crown.
WASHINGTON (WHP) — Pennsylvania has been a no show at the Great American State Fair in Washington, D.C., but the state’s senators said they’re teaming up to change that.
Senators Dave McCormick and John Fetterman said Saturday they have partnered with several state organizations to represent Pennsylvania at the fair.
“Pennsylvania is where America’s story began, and there was no way we were going to let the commonwealth go unrepresented during our nation’s 250th birthday celebration,” McCormick said in a release.
All 50 states are supposed to be represented at the event, but around 10 Democrat-led states said they will not officially participate.
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro told The New Republic that he believes the fair isn’t truly a celebration of American history, but rather a politicized and Trump-centric event.
Several artists who were supposed to perform during the fair have also dropped out due to similar concerns.
READ MORE | Freedom 250 spokesperson says American State Fair ‘nonpolitical’ as artists drop out
McCormick and Fetterman will partner with the PA Chamber of Business and Industry, PennAg Industries Association, the PA Farm Bureau, the National Federation of Independent Business, the PA Manufacturers’ Association, and The Manufacturer & Business Association.
“We discovered our commonwealth wasn’t participating in the Great American State Fair on the National Mall and we should be,” Fetterman said. “We are now making sure Pennsylvania’s booth will highlight the commonwealth’s agriculture dominance, our businesses and what makes PA a truly awesome and historic place.”
Fetterman said Pennsylvania’s role in the history of the U.S. is “important and bipartisan.”
A spokesperson from Freedom 250, a group created by the White House that is organizing the event, said it’s “inherently nonpolitical.”
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The event started Thursday and will continue through July 10. You can find more information here.
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