A Venezuelan migrant was accused early Monday of shooting two New York City police officers after authorities tried to pull over the 19-year-old robbery suspect in Queens.

Police said Bernardo Castro Mata was driving his moped on the wrong side of the road around 1:40 a.m. Monday in Elmhurst when police attempted to stop the illegal motorist.

The suspect then bailed from his ride and ran off before turning and firing on pursuing officers, police said.

Authorities said one officer was hit in the leg. The other was hit in their ballistic vest.

One of the officers shot back at the suspect and hobbled him with a bullet to the leg, police said. Mr. Mata was taken into custody shortly afterward.

“This is a bullet hole — because of this vest, a young police officer is going home. Senseless act of violence, a total disregard for life,” Mayor Eric Adams said during a Monday morning press conference. “Our officers responded with a level of discipline, focus, professionalism, and today we thank God.”

Law enforcement sources told The New York Post that Mr. Mata entered the U.S. last July through Eagle Pass, Texas. He has been living in a hotel-turned-shelter near LaGuardia Airport.

The suspect was being investigated for a number of robberies in Queens. Some incidents include violent thefts where cell phones were swiped from victims’ hands. Another involved a woman who had her credit card taken during an assault.

• Matt Delaney can be reached at mdelaney@washingtontimes.com.