2 men accused of shooting off-duty federal officer in Manhattan robbery attempt
Two men with lengthy criminal records are now in federal custody, accused of shooting an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer during a robbery attempt in Manhattan.
More Stories
Two men with lengthy criminal records are now in federal custody, accused of shooting an off-duty U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer during a robbery attempt in Manhattan.
Christian Aybar-Berroa and Miguel Mora, both Dominican nationals, allegedly crossed the border illegally and were under deportation orders, according to federal officials.
Aybar-Berroa was taken into custody Monday morning. He’s accused of driving the scooter during Saturday night’s attempted robbery. Mora, 21, is accused of pulling the trigger and shooting the officer in the face after the victim drew his own gun.
Police say Mora showed up later that night at Bronx Care Hospital with gunshot wounds and was arrested.
“Our federal partners on the HSI Violent Gangs Task Force have now apprehended the second suspect, the alleged scooter driver,” NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch said.
Tisch said Aybar-Berroa was arrested eight times last year for robberies involving a scooter in the Bronx. Despite multiple arrests and active ICE detainers, federal officials say he was repeatedly released back onto city streets.
Mora’s criminal history spans multiple states. Police say he was previously arrested for kidnapping and armed robbery in Massachusetts and four times in New York City. He was also wanted for a stabbing in the Bronx and another robbery where he allegedly threatened to shoot someone trying to hail a cab.
The case has reignited the debate over New York City’s sanctuary policies.
“There’s absolutely zero reason someone who is scum of the earth like this should be running loose on the streets of New York City,” Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said. “He was arrested four different times in New York City, and because of the mayor’s policies, released back to do harm.”
Mayor Eric Adams responded, saying city policies don't decide whether suspects remain in jail.
“Stop the revolving door system,” Adams said. “Go after the dangerous migrants and asylum seekers who are here, and allow hardworking people in this city to go on with their lives.”
News 12 reached out to the Bronx District Attorney’s Office and the Department of Corrections about why the suspects were released. The DA’s office said they are looking into it. DOC has not yet responded.
