The New York State Police has reportedly launched an investigation into the shooting of State Trooper Thomas Mascia, who alleged he was shot last week in the leg by a motorist during a traffic stop. Police said Thomas Mascia was suspended without pay while they investigate the credibility of the state trooper’s report in connection to the shooting.
Last week, Thomas Mascia made local news headlines after state police, said he was shot on Wednesday, October 30, on the Southern State Parkway. 27-year-old Mascia told authorities he was on routine patrol when he spotted what looked to be a disabled motorist stopped by Exit 17 in West Hempstead, Long Island. Mascia alleged he was shot by the driver before he fled the scene. At the time, state police offered a reward of $10,000 for any information on the assailant.
Mascia was taken to Nassau University Medical Center, where he underwent surgery on a quadriceps. On Friday, November 1, Mascia was discharged from the hospital, where Troopers were lined up at the entrance to salute and applaud the wounded state trooper.
However, on Monday, November 4, 2024, in a press release, New York state police announced they were investigating the shooting over inconsistencies in Thomas Mascia's report on the incident. Police are also no longer searching for the alleged assailant initially believed to have shot Mascia.
Thomas Mascia did not activate body camera during the alleged traffic stop shooting
According to CBS News on Monday, police turned up with a search warrant for trooper Thomas Mascia’s home in West Hempstead as they investigate the credibility of his report of being shot last week while on patrol. In a press release, the New York State Trooper's office said:
“The New York State Police is conducting an investigation into the circumstances of the shooting involving Trooper Thomas Mascia that was reported on October 30th. Investigators are currently executing a search warrant at Trooper Mascia’s residence.”
According to CBS, there was no body camera video of the alleged incident since Mascia failed to activate the camera. Police sources cited in the New York Post said they are investigating the possibility that Mascia might have shot himself on Wednesday night before fabricating a story about a stranded motorist, triggering a statewide manhunt.
However, CBS reported neighbors refuse to believe Mascia could have fabricated the story. A neighbor told the outlet:
"All I can tell you is he is a good guy. They have to make sure the story is true. He got a bullet wound. I believe him. Until otherwise, I believe in that man."
Mascia’s shooting sparked concern from community members and law enforcement officials, including New York Attorney General Leticia James, who, at the time, in a Facebook post, said:
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“I'm relieved that Trooper Mascia is in stable condition, and I'm praying for his full recovery after this horrible shooting this morning. Anyone with information about this suspect should immediately contact the New York State Police.”
Meanwhile, police have yet to disclose additional information in the case.
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