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On Long Island, trooper Thomas Mascia, age 27, was suspended without pay and stripped of his agency-issued service weapon, an NYSP spokesperson told Daily Voice.
The agency is investigating whether Mascia, of West Hempstead, shot himself in the leg, NBC New York reports.
It comes after state police confirmed it was conducting a joint investigation with the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office into what DA Anne Donnelly described as “certain inconsistencies” in Mascia’s account of the incident.
On Monday, Nov. 4, State Police executed a search warrant at Mascia’s home in West Hempstead. The agency also canceled the BOLO (be on the lookout) for the suspect vehicle.
New York State Police had initially said Mascia was shot by a 22-caliber gun at around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30, in the westbound lanes of the southern State Parkway in West Hempstead.
The agency said the 27-year-old Mascia was fired upon while walking toward what he assumed was a disabled vehicle. He claimed to have heard several shots before realizing he was hit in the leg.
Mascia told investigators he took cover behind his control as the suspect vehicle fled the scene. The incident sparked a multi-state manhunt and saw the offering of a $15,000 reward for information leading to the gunman’s conviction.
There is no bodycam footage of the shooting because Mascia did not activate the light bar on his patrol car, police said, adding that Mascia did not fire any shots.
Mascia underwent emergency surgery on his leg, and was released from Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow during a ceremonial walk-out on Friday morning, Nov. 1. Law enforcement officers from around the region attended the jubilant event.
But over the weekend, Mascia’s account of the incident came into question, with New York State Police issuing the following statement:
"State Police are conducting an investigation into the circumstances involving Trooper Mascia that was reported on October 30th. This remains an ongoing investigation and further specifics are not being released at this time."
Nassau County DA Anne Donnelly’s office provided Daily Voice with the following statement:
“My office, in partnership with the New York State Police, is actively investigating certain inconsistencies identified in the reporting of a shooting incident involving New York State Trooper Thomas Mascia last week on the Southern State Parkway. The investigation remains ongoing at this time, and we refrain from further comment until it is completed.”
State Police previously said they were looking for a dark colored Dodge Charger with a temporary New Jersey license plate number 997536T.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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