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On Long Island, state police “have reason to believe that the incident did not occur the way it was reported” by trooper Thomas Mascia, an agency spokesperson told reporters Wednesday morning, Nov. 6.
Police confirmed that the five-year department veteran is now the subject of both a criminal investigation and an internal probe being conducted by state police and the Nassau County District Attorney’s Office.
Earlier Report: Trooper Suspended, Stripped Of Gun After 'Inconsistencies' In Account Of LI Shooting
Investigators executed a search warrant at Mascia’s West Hempstead residence on Monday, Nov. 4. They recovered multiple guns and a large amount of cash, CBS New York reports.
Police confirmed they are no longer looking for a suspect in the incident, which happened on westbound Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead, at around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 30.
The 27-year-old Mascia initially told colleagues that he was walking toward what he assumed was a disabled vehicle when he heard several shots fired by a “dark-skinned man.” He suffered a gunshot wound to his leg and underwent emergency surgery at Nassau University Medical Center in East Meadow.
Law enforcement officers from around the region gathered at the hospital on Friday, Nov. 1, to celebrate the trooper’s discharge amid a multi-state manhunt for the gunman.
Police said there was no bodycam footage of the shooting because Mascia did not activate the light bar on his patrol car. They initially claimed he did not fire any shots.
But over the weekend, Mascia’s account of the incident came into question and New York State Police launched an internal investigation into the matter.
A spokesperson for Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly further confirmed to Daily Voice that the agency was investigating “certain inconsistencies identified” in Mascia’s reporting.
"The investigation remains ongoing at this time, and we refrain from further comment until it is completed," they said.
Authorities are looking into whether Mascia actually shot himself in the leg, NBC New York reports.
Mascia was suspended without pay after it was determined that he violated NYSP rules and standards, the agency confirmed. He was stripped of his service weapon, shield, and his police ID.
He had not been arrested as of Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 6.
This continues to be a developing story. Check back to Daily Voice for updates.
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