(NewsNation) — An illegal immigrant who is accused of shooting at two NYPD officers has claimed guns are being smuggled into New York City migrant shelters in food delivery bags by a Venezuelan gang.
Bernardo Raul Castro Mata admitted to detectives that he was a member of the notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren de Aragua.
The alleged packaging in food delivery bags is claimed to avoid metal detection at the shelters.
Who is Bernardo Raul Castro Mata?
Castro Mata, who entered the United States illegally last year, allegedly shot at two police officers after they attempted to pull him over for driving a scooter the wrong way down a one-way street on June 3.
The 19-year-old said he was recruited into the gang and was subsequently given a gun that gang members are smuggling into shelters.
Castro Mata who is Venezuelan, crossed into the U.S. at Eagle Pass, Texas last July – according to the NYPD.
What is he accused of?
The 19-year-old allegedly said he was returning from his work as a food delivery and was in possession of the illegal gun. Police conducted a traffic stop after they saw Castro Mata driving the unregistered motorcycle without a helmet.
Police say he resisted arrest and subsequently shot at two officers from point-blank range. The pair were treated and released from the hospital.
“When the cops stopped me, I ran because I was scared,” Mata said, according to a statement read by prosecutors, via the New York Post.
“I stopped and took out the gun to show the officers and a round went off. That’s when the cop shot me. I didn’t pull the trigger. The gun went off once.”
What charges is Castro Mata facing?
He is facing charges of two counts of murder; both in the first and second degree. According to the Post, Castro Mata was arraigned on a 20-count indictment by the Queens grand jury.
Castro Mata will be placed in protective custody following his claims against Tren de Aragua. Castro Mata will be held without bail after an order from Judge Kenneth C. Holder. He has entered a not-guilty plea.
Speaking to press, District Attorney Melinda Katz wants there to be some justice for what she believes were actions of “attempted murder.”
“We’d like to make sure that he comes to trial,” Katz said. “And is held accountable for attempted murder of two counts, against the police officers.”