Investigations into Long Island State Trooper Thomas Mascia's story about shooting grow
FARMINGDALE, N.Y. -- New York State Police say it is now conducting two investigations into Long Island State Trooper Thomas Mascia, who claimed he was shot in the leg while on the job last week.
Six days ago, state police were hailing Mascia's actions. Now it is calling his story into question, announcing Wednesday morning there is a massive, far-reaching criminal and internal investigation into the trooper's story, which it no longer believes.
Mascia, 27, was hailed as a hero after he said he saw a car pulled over on the Southern State Parkway, and thought it was a disabled motorist. He said that as he approached the car, the driver shot him and sped off. He described the gunman as a dark-skinned person and provided a description of the car, saying it had temporary plates.
Days later, police searched the house he shares with his parents, along with their cars. Sources say they found guns and a large amount of cash.
Mascia has not been arrested.
Was the shooting self-inflicted?
Wednesday, New York State Police said it is still gathering facts, but the trooper is suspended without pay. His ID, shield and guns have been removed.
CBS News New York's Carolyn Gusoff asked if authorities believe the gunshot wound was self-inflicted.
"I'm not going to get into that right now. What I will tell you, Carolyn, is that we do not believe that this incident happened the way it was reported to us," New York State Police Maj. Stephen Udice said. "I'd like to share more information at this point, but because of the sensitivity of the investigation and the number of facts that we're still in the process of gathering, I don't want to compromise the investigation."
Attorney Jeffrey Licthman, who is representing Mascia, said he has yet to sit down and speak with his client, but added "for five days, he was beloved, and now there are all sorts of leaks and lies" about Mascia, which he called a disgrace.
The Nassau County district attorney is also looking into the circumstances of the shooting. The DA's office previously cited "certain inconsistencies" surrounding his story of the shooting.
