WEST HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (1010 WINS) – A state trooper was shot and wounded on Long Island’s Southern State Parkway on Wednesday night as he tried to help what he believed was a stranded motorist, police said Thursday as they searched for the suspect.
The shooting happened around 11:45 p.m. as Trooper Thomas Mascia, 27, checked on a black sedan, possibly a Dodge Charger, that was parked on the median of the westbound lanes of the parkway at Exit 17 in West Hempstead, according to police.
"As he approached the rear of the suspect vehicle, he heard several pops and realized he was wounded," State Police Superintendent Steven James said at a press conference. "He then retreated to cover behind his patrol vehicle."
Mascia, who has been with the state police since 2019, was struck near his knee and used a tourniquet to stem the bleeding. He underwent surgery at a hospital and was recovering Thursday.
As the search for the suspect continued, State Police Major Stephen Udice said Mascia's "one and only intention was to help someone."
"Unfortunately, Trooper Mascia's good intentions were met with unexpected gunshots directed at him from a coward, who without any provocation began to shoot at him," Udice said.
The Southern State Parkway was closed in the area overnight but had reopened by Thursday morning.
The black sedan has custom matte gray dual exhaust tips and the New Jersey temporary tag NJ 997636T, according to police.
As the investigation continues, New York State Police are asking for any witnesses or anyone with information to call 631-756-3300.
In a statement, the New York State Troopers Police Benevolent Association, which represents 7,000 active and retired uniformed members, said: “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.”
The statement went on to say, “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.”