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The incident happened on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead, in the westbound lanes near exit 17, at around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30.
New York State Police said a trooper patrolling the highway pulled up behind what he thought was a disabled vehicle and took down the license plate number.
He then exited his patrol car and was walking toward the vehicle when he heard several shots and realized he had been shot in the leg, State Police said at a press conference Thursday morning, Oct. 31.
The trooper took cover behind his patrol car and the suspect fled the scene.
“He was able to retrieve his first aid bag and tend to his own wounds,” State Police Superintendent Steven James said.
The injured trooper, identified as 27-year-old Thomas Mascia, was taken to a hospital and underwent surgery on his leg. He was listed in stable condition.
"Trooper Mascia's desire was to help someone who appeared to need assistance, unfortunately, Trooper Mascia's good intentions were met with unexpected gunshots directed at him from a coward, who without any provocation, good shot, or good cause, began to shoot at him," said Major Steve Eustace.
State Police described the suspect vehicle as a black Dodge Charger with temporary New Jersey plates 997636T. The vehicle has custom matte gray dual exhaust tips.
"We have launched an all-out search for the suspect's vehicle," police said.
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.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction.
The New York State Police troopers’ union said it was “sickened by the actions of this cowardly individual.”
“This perpetrator must be brought to swift justice,” the union said in a statement. “We thank the medical providers who are providing our brother with the care he needs, and we will support him as he makes what we hope is a speedy recovery.”
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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