EAST ELMHURST, Queens (PIX11) – The two NYPD officers shot in Queens early Monday morning were released from the hospital to applause from fellow officers.
The officers, who have not been identified yet by the NYPD, were chasing down a suspect when he opened fire, according to the NYPD. One officer was shot near his stomach, but saved by his bulletproof vest.
The other officer was shot in the leg, police said.
Both are expected to make a full recovery after their release from NYC Health + Hospitals/Elmhurst. Police identified the shooter as 19-year-old Bernardo Raul Castro-Mata, who is believed to be involved in several robberies in Queens.
The two officers are young — one has worked five years on the job, while the other has two years, according to the NYPD. Their colleagues say their bravery was displayed, and that they have bright futures ahead of them on the force.
"The one police officer shot in the vest was more concerned about his partner saving his life, getting a tourniquet out," Police Benevolence Association President Patrick Hendry said during a press conference. "That's what partners do in the NYPD. They save each other's lives. And that's what happened here today."
Both officers are in good spirits following their release, the NYPD told PIX11 News.
Erin Pflaumer is a digital content producer from Long Island who has covered both local and national news since 2018. She joined PIX11 in 2023. See more of her work here.
Article From:
pix11.com
English (US) ·