Queens, New York – A Queens woman who fell victim to a violent robbery by a suspect believed to be involved in the shooting of two NYPD officers recently opened up about the traumatic experience. Desiree Mason, 38, recounted the harrowing incident where she was dragged out of her car by an assailant identified as Bernardo Castro Mata, who allegedly stole her wallet and fled on a moped. The incident, which occurred in front of Mason’s Woodhaven residence on May 7, left her traumatized and struggling with symptoms similar to PTSD.
In an exclusive interview with The Post, Mason expressed her gratitude towards the injured officers who apprehended Mata, the suspected cop shooter, thus preventing further violence. She shared her newfound fear and anxiety, particularly towards individuals riding mopeds in the neighborhood, a stark contrast to her feelings of safety in her community before the attack.
Mason’s encounter with Mata is part of a series of moped-involved robberies in Queens, with the suspect being considered a person of interest in these cases. While no charges have been filed against Mata in connection to Mason’s robbery, law enforcement sources link him to a notorious Venezuelan gang, Tren De Aragua, known for similar criminal activities involving motorized scooters.
The surge in scooter-assisted crimes, particularly phone snatchings, has raised concerns in the area, with over 80 reported incidents this year alone. Mata, who entered the US illegally and had his asylum case dismissed, faces charges of attempted murder and other offenses related to the cop shooting. Officials suspect his affiliation with Tren De Aragua, as indicated by a distinctive tattoo shared among gang members.
Mason’s experience sheds light on the impact of such crimes on individuals and communities, emphasizing the need for vigilant law enforcement efforts to address the rising trend of moped-related robberies in Queens. As investigations continue, residents like Mason navigate heightened fears and uncertainties in the wake of these alarming incidents.