A 27-year-old state trooper was shot in the leg while approaching a vehicle in the Long Island’s Southern State Parkway. Officials announced a $5,000 reward for information that can lead to the arrest of a suspect who escape in a vehicle with a temporary New Jersey license plate. The state trooper’s injuries were described as non life-threatening. NBC New York’s Greg Cergol reports.
Authorities are investigating the shooting of a New York State trooper on Long Island's Southern State Parkway, and the person believed to be responsible is still on the loose.
According to investigators, officer Thomas Mascia was patrolling shortly before midnight Wednesday on the westbound highway near Exit 17 in West Hempstead — about a mile from his parents' home — when he saw a black sedan parked illegally in the road's median.
State police said Mascia was looking to help what may have been a stranded motorist, so the 27-year-old pulled up behind the vehicle, noted the license plate and got out of his cruiser. As he approached the back of the black sedan, investigators say, the trooper heard a series of shots and realized he had been wounded in the leg.
Mascia retreated for cover behind his vehicle as the suspect drove off. He was later able to tend to his own wounds, applying a tourniquet before being taken to a hospital.
Mascia's commanding officer said the five-year state police veteran was struck in the leg by one shot. His injury was not considered to be life-threatening, and he was recovering after undergoing surgery on Thursday, officials said.
After firing the shots for no apparent reason, the suspect fled the scene in what may have been a Dodge Charger, with New Jersey temporary tag NJ 997636T, officials said.
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State police said they are conducting an "all-out" search for the vehicle and ask anyone with information to call authorities. A $10,000 reward is being offered for information leading to an arrest.
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It was the second time in as many years that Mascia was injured on the job. In 2022, he was struck by a car in Westchester while removing debris from I-95.
The highway was closed in the area for a time to assist the investigation.
Anyone with information to call at 631-756-3300.
