New York State Police trooper shot on Long Island overnight
WEST HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- A manhunt is underway after a New York State Police trooper was shot by a suspect overnight in Nassau County, Long Island.
Trooper Thomas Mascia was shot on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead shortly before midnight after pulling up to a vehicle that was parked on the median, police said.
"As he approached the rear of the suspect's vehicle, he heard several pops, and realized that he was wounded in his right leg," a state police official said at Thursday morning's news conference.
Mascia, 27, was shot in his right leg and rendered first aid to himself at the scene. His injuries were not life-threatening, "but it's too soon to determine what kind of recovery he will endure," the official said.
Mascia was able to note the vehicle's license plate number as the suspect fled immediately after the shooting, police said.
State police searching for license plate: NJ 997636T
The shooting happened just before midnight on the westbound side of the Southern State Parkway near exit 17.
Investigators said the suspect was driving a dark vehicle, believed to be a black Dodge Charger, with a temporary paper New Jersey license plate: 997636T.
"We have launched an all-out search for the suspect's vehicle," police said.
The car has custom matte gray dual exhaust tips and took off going westbound on the Southern State Parkway, officials added.
New York State Police have asked anyone who witnessed the shooting or has seen the suspect's vehicle to call Troop L in Farmingdale at 631-756-3300.
Mascia was in stable condition at Nassau University Medical Center, police said.
Stick with CBS News New York as we learn more details about this developing story.