FARMINGDALE, Long Island (WABC) -- A New York State Police Trooper who claimed he was shot on Long Island surrendered to police on Monday and is now facing charges after officials say he actually shot himself.
Thomas Mascia, a once honored state police trooper, now finds himself on the other side of the law and stripped of his job.
Per the criminal complaint, Nassau County officials say the trooper shot himself for attention and sympathy.
Eyewitness News' cameras were rolling when he was brought out in handcuffs outside of his own state police barracks in East Farmingdale on Monday.
The 27-year-old now-disgraced trooper from West Hempstead turned himself in just before 6 a.m.
His parents, Dorothy and Thomas Mascia, Sr., a former NYPD officer, also turned themselves in. They were charged with criminal possession of a firearm after Nassau County prosecutors say a gun was found at the foot of their bed.
All three pleaded not guilty and were released without bail after their arraignment at Nassau District Court in Hempstead.
Mascia has been charged with tampering with physical evidence, falsely reporting a crime, and official misconduct.
Prosecutors say that back on October 30, the trooper pulled on the shoulder of the Southern State Parkway near Hempstead and dumped a handful 22 caliber shells.
Prosecutors say he then drove to Hempstead Lake State Park, shot himself, and then drove back.
He reported being shot by a masked man in a dark-colored charger with New Jersey plates.
"He knew the fear that it would create but he did it anyway," said Nassau County District Attorney Anne Donnelly. "Whether for sympathy, attention, to ease a wounded ego, what he did is unconscionable."
The gun used in the shooting was the same one found in his parents' bedroom in West Hempstead where he also lives, officials say.
A manhunt was underway for several days and a ceremony was held for him when he was released from Nassau University Medical Center.
"This is an egregious act that occurred that not only triggered a massive response throughout the community, but it harmed the reputation of law enforcement in general," said New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James.
Mascia had a background check and psych evaluation when he joined the force in 2019. Officials say there were no red flags and he passed both the background check and evaluation.
He resigned on Friday and he is due back in court next week.
If convicted on the felony charges, he and his parents could face up to three to four years in prison.
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