$10K reward offered leading to arrest of suspect who shot NY state trooper on Southern State Parkway
WEST HEMPSTEAD, Nassau County (WABC) -- Cop Shot is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect who shot a New York state trooper on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead on Long Island.
Trooper Thomas Mascia, 27, was shot in the parkway's westbound lanes, near exit 17, at around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday.
During a press conference, officials with the New York State Police said that Trooper Mascia, a five-year veteran of the force, approached the vehicle after seeing it parked along the left median of the parkway.
Thinking the driver needed help, he took down the license plate number on the vehicle, then exited his patrol car and approached the vehicle.
State Police say several rounds were fired from a window rolled down by the driver of the late model black Dodge Charger.
The trooper said he heard several pops and realized he was struck in the leg. Officials say he immediately took cover behind his patrol car, as the driver took off.
"He was able to retrieve his first aid bag and tend to his own wounds," said New York State Police Superintendent Steven James.
A fellow trooper who responded to the shooting helped rush Mascia to Nassau University Medical Center.
He had surgery on his injured leg and is expected to make a full recovery.
Trooper Mascia's next door neighbor Diane Sherin spoke with Eyewitness News, and said this isn't the first time he's been injured.
"It's his second time being injured," Sherin said. "He was hurt before. He was hit by a car while he was also working."
Sherin says he was stationed in Upstate New York at the time of the crash.
"He's a great kid, a great guy, just always been so kind," she said. "He helps us shovel the snow and just he's so kind and caring. We're all praying for him and hopes that he comes back to recover with us again."
The suspect fled westbound in the Charger. It had a temporary New Jersey license plate with the number 997636T. The vehicle is further described as having custom matte gray dual exhaust tips.
"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 with the New York State Police.
There is no body camera footage because the trooper did not turn on his full light bar for his patrol car. It did eventually activate when he unholstered his weapon.
He was unable to fire any shots in return at the suspect as they fled the scene immediately after the shooting.
The NYPD and other law enforcement agencies were alerted of the vehicle possibly fleeing into New York City, but it was not immediately located.
Law enforcement noted that they have seen an increase in criminal activity involving vehicles with temporary or paper license plates.
The New York State Trooper's PBA released a statement saying:
"We are sickened by the actions of this cowardly individual who thought nothing of shooting a Trooper who was simply doing his job. This perpetrator must be brought to swift justice. 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 incident underscores the dangers our members bravely face every day in service of all New Yorkers and is a reminder that any interaction has the potential to turn deadly. This must serve as a call to action for our state leaders to work closely with our union to ensure the safety of PBA members and the public they protect and serve."
Cop Show is a reward-for-information program offering cash for the arrest and conviction of anyone who shoots a New York City police officer or member of the State Police.
"We understand this Trooper was attempting to see if the motorist needed assistance. For his efforts, he was fired upon and struck by a bullet. We hope our $10,000 cash reward will help police apprehend this suspect and take a dangerous criminal off the streets. Someone out there knows something, and we urge them to call our confidential 24/7 COP SHOT hot-line," said John Provetto, chairman of Cop Shot.
Suffolk County Crime Stoppers is also offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.
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