The search for the shooter of New York State Trooper Thomas Mascia, 27, has intensified following the incident on Long Island's Southern State Parkway. The trooper was shot near Exit 17 around 11:45 p.m. on Wednesday, as he was looking to assist what he believed to be a stranded motorist. According to NBC New York, Mascia approached the black sedan parked illegally on the median and was shot in the leg when the suspect opened fire without warning.
Despite being wounded, Trooper Mascia managed to apply a tourniquet to his leg and awaited transport to the hospital, where he underwent surgery. As stated by his commanding officer, the injuries sustained are not life-threatening. This incident marks the second time Mascia has been injured in the line of duty, having previously been hit by a vehicle while removing debris from a road in 2022. Efforts have been ramped up to locate the shooter, described as driving a black Dodge Charger with a temporary New Jersey license plate numbered 997636T. A $10,000 reward has been offered for information leading to an arrest, and anyone with information is asked to call 631-756-3300.
In further detail provided by ABC7 New York, officials said Mascia noticed the parked vehicle and took down its license plate number before getting out of his patrol car. “He was able to retrieve his first aid bag and tend to his own wounds," stated New York State Police Superintendent Steven James. Mascia's neighbor, Diane Sherin, expressed concern for the trooper, praising his character and sharing that the community is praying for his recovery.
The New York State Trooper's PBA released a statement condemning the act as cowardly and demanding justice, while emphasizing the dangers that troopers face daily. "Someone out there knows something, and we urge them to call our confidential 24/7 COP SHOT hot-line," urged John Provetto, chairman of Cop Shot, a program that is also offering a $10,000 reward for information. The Suffolk County Crime Stoppers has offered an additional $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the suspect involved in the shooting.
Authorities are sharing the urgency of these rewards in hopes of apprehending the individual who not only put Trooper Mascia’s life at risk but who also underscores the risks inherent to those who dedicate themselves to public service. The incident, which led to a temporary closure of the highway for investigation, continues to prompt an intense "all-out" search, as law enforcement agencies keep vigil across New York City and neighboring areas for the suspect vehicle.
