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.

Prosecutors detailed how the suspect allegedly fired at “point-blank range” during a struggle on the ground.

Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, 19, appeared via video from his hospital bed for his arraignment in Queens Criminal Court regarding the shooting of Officers Richard Yarusso and Christopher Abreu.

BREAKING: 19-year-old Venezuelan ILLEGAL who recently crossed into the U.S via Eagle Pass SHOOTS TWO NYC COPS

“Because of this vest, a young police officer is going home” NYC Mayor Eric Adams

19-year-old Venezuelan illegal Bernardo Raul Castro Mata shot two NYC cops early… pic.twitter.com/8TLPzH1b2H

— Unlimited L's (@unlimited_ls) June 3, 2024

Judge Jeffrey Gershuny ordered Castro Mata, who is recovering from a gunshot wound to the ankle, to be held without bail on charges including attempted murder, assault, criminal possession of a weapon, resisting arrest, and obstructing governmental administration.

More than 50 police officers attended the hearing to support Yarusso and Abreu, as reported by the New York Daily News.

Queens Assistant District Attorney Lauren Reilly described Castro Mata as the “very definition of a flight risk,” noting that he was “fleeing from uniformed police officers before shooting two police officers.”

The Venezuelan illegal alien accused of shooting two NYPD officers on Monday fired into one cop’s chest at “point-blank range”, prosecutors said during his arraignment this morning.

Bernardo Raul Castro Mata, 19, was arraigned on attempted murder charges from a hospital bed,… pic.twitter.com/SVDRKatH7L

— Crime In NYC (@CrimeInNYC) June 5, 2024

Authorities stated that Yarusso and Abreu were investigating a series of robberies 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, prosecutors mentioned that Castro Mata was on an “unregistered motorcycle.”

When the officers tried to pull Castro Mata over, he ran away on foot. One officer chased him on foot while the other followed in a police cruiser. The officers eventually tackled Castro Mata to the ground.

“During the struggle, [Castro Mata] reached into a crossbody bag, removed a firearm, and shot Officer Yarusso in the chest at point-blank range,” Reilly stated, according to the Daily News. “The defendant then shot Officer Abreu in the upper right thigh.”

Judge Gershuny ordered that Castro Mata be transferred to Rikers Island once released from the hospital.

“Using violence to avoid a traffic stop shows this court that he would flee by any means necessary,” the judge said.

Police reported that Yarusso was wearing a bullet-resistant vest, which saved his life. Both officers received treatment at Elmhurst Hospital, and Yarusso pushed Abreu out in a wheelchair when they were released hours after the shooting. Police returned fire during the struggle, injuring Castro Mata in the ankle. He was taken to New York-Presbyterian Hospital Queens for treatment.

Authorities said Castro Mata entered the U.S. illegally last July near El Paso, Texas, and had been staying at a former airport hotel-turned-migrant shelter in Elmhurst, Queens. Sources told the New York Post that Castro Mata has a tattoo indicating possible affiliation with Venezuela’s “bloodthirsty” Tren de Aragua gang.

Prosecutors highlighted in court that Castro Mata’s .380-caliber pistol, recovered at the scene, had two bullets remaining—one in the chamber and one in the magazine.