New York State Police trooper shot on Long Island leads to intense manhunt
WEST HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. -- A manhunt for the driver who shot a New York State Police trooper on Long Island continues Friday.
Trooper Thomas Mascia was shot on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead, Nassau County overnight Wednesday after pulling up to a vehicle that was parked on the median, police said.
Mascia, police said, was on routine patrol and thought it was a disabled vehicle before the driver suddenly opened fire through the window, then drove off.
"As he approached the rear of the suspect's vehicle, he heard several pops, and realized that he was wounded in his right leg," New York State Police Superintendent Steven James said at Thursday morning's news conference.
"Shots fired! Shots fired! I'm hit! I think my kneecap is broken," Mascia said as he radioed for help after shots rang out.
State police searching for license plate: NJ 997636T
The shooting happened just before midnight on the westbound side of the Southern State Parkway between exits 17 and 18.
Mascia was able to note the vehicle's license plate number, but didn't have a chance to return fire as the suspect fled immediately, police said.
"We have launched an all-out search for the suspect's vehicle," James said. "Someone who is willing to fire at a law enforcement officer is clearly a dangerous individual."
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.
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 asked anyone who witnessed the shooting or has seen the suspect's vehicle to call Troop L in Farmingdale at 631-756-3300.
Trooper in stable condition after surgery
Police said Mascia was able to apply first aid to himself at the scene, and that he was expected to survive.
He underwent leg surgery at Nassau University Medical Center and was in stable condition, police said. His girlfriend and parents were by his side.
"It's too soon to determine what kind of recovery he will endure," James said.
"This trooper, his one and only intention was to help someone who appeared to need help, and he became a target for them. They started firing rounds at him. This is unacceptable and we all need to recognize that if someone that will target one of those, that is out there to keep all of us safe, he or she is of great danger to every, single one of us," Long Island Troop L Commander Major Steve Udice said, "and I am imploring the public, if you have any information please forward it to us. It is imperative."
After visiting Mascia in the hospital, Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman said he hoped for a full recovery and called for a crackdown on illegal plates.
"We need the governor and the state legislature to pass a law that people who have fake plates or stolen plates on their car, that they automatically go to jail. They make jail mandatory for those people and that there be no bail for people like that," Blakeman said.
A spokesperson for Gov. Kathy Hochul said the governor, "has been in contact with NYS PBA President Murphy & State Police Superintendent James to let them know her thoughts are with him & all our troopers. She looks forward to speaking with the trooper once he is able."
Mascias' neighbors, about a mile from the shooting scene, had high praise for the trooper who has served for five years.
"A complete gentleman, very willing to do anything for his neighbors," Tom King said. "Just one heck of a guy."
Police were offering a $5,000 reward for information leading them to the suspect. There was no body camera footage of the shooting, police said.
Editor's note: On Nov. 4, 2024, New York State Police said they were investigating the credibility of Mascia's story about the shooting and canceled the alert for the suspected vehicle.