New York indicts 2 migrants after botched robbery led to shooting of customs officer in NYC
NEW YORK (WABC) -- Two men accused of the shooting of an off-duty Customs and Border Patrol officer in New York City during a botched robbery are now facing state charges.
The pair were already charged with federal crimes last month.
Cristhian Aybar, 22, and Miguel Mora, 21, are accused of an attempted robbery that left the officer with gunshot wounds to the face and hand.
The shooting took place along the shores of the Hudson shortly before midnight on Saturday, July 19. Authorities say the shooting was part of a crime spree that began with the robbery of a woman's cell phone. Then Mora attempted to rob the officer. In the shootout that followed, both Mora and the officer were wounded.
"When Mora reached them, he pulled out a gun. In response, the officer pulled out his weapon, Mora fired, and the officer returned fire. The officer was struck twice, once in the face and once on the hand and wrist," said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg.
Prosecutors say Aybar drove Mora to the Bronx, where he was treated at Lincoln Hospital for two gunshot wounds.
On Wednesday, DA Bragg and Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Ricky J. Patel announced the indictment by the state.
Mora is charged several counts including attempted murder in the first and second degrees, robbery, criminal possession of a weapon, attempted robbery, and assault.
Aybar is charged with robbery in the first and second degree, criminal possession of a weapon, attempted robbery, and assault.
The still-unidentified officer is out of the hospital and back home.
"He has a long road ahead of him as far as recovery and everything that goes along with it," Patel said.
"Even while off duty on a summer night, this officer quickly leapt into action in an act of bravery," Bragg said. "We are committed to the safety of law enforcement officers in Manhattan, as demonstrated by this in-depth investigation and today's serious charges. I thank DHS's Homeland Security Investigations for its collaboration."
"Miguel Mora and Cristhian Aybar juggled with fate, and lost, when they set out on their alleged robbery spree last month. Throughout much of their time in the U.S., and as culminated with the events of July 19, they disrespected the sanctity of life and the American rule of law. In the process, they changed the course of their own lives, and tragically, that of an innocent, unsuspecting off-duty CBP officer," Patel said in part.
Police said Aybar is a suspect in at least four additional robbery cases and is believed to be part of a 28-incident robbery spree committed by suspects on scooters, operating mostly in the Bronx.
"They shouldn't have been in the country," Patel said. "If they were deported and or not allowed to be in this country, this tragedy would not have happened."
"Today's indictment again highlights the amazing work being done by the best police force anywhere - the NYPD - along with District Attorney Bragg's office, and our partners at the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Investigations," New York City Mayor Eric Adams responded to the new indictment. "Thanks to the bravery of the federal officer who was wounded in a shootout in Fort Washington Park, and the quick work done by our partners in law enforcement, two dangerous criminals are off the streets today and will face justice in a court of law."
Mora was ordered deported in November 2024 and Aybar was ordered deported in January 2023. However, they remained on the streets even after they were arrested for a variety of crimes.
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