New York State Trooper shot in the leg on the Southern State Parkway while trying to help a driver in West Hempstead, Nassau County

WEST HEMPSTEAD, Nassau County (WABC) — Cop Shot is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of the suspect who shot and killed a New York State Trooper on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead, Long Island.

Trooper Thomas Mascia, 27, was shot in the park’s westbound lanes, near Exit 17, on Wednesday around 11:45 p.m.

During a news conference, New York State Police officials said Trooper Mascia, a five-year veteran of the force, approached the vehicle after seeing it parked along the left-center portion of the road.

Believing the driver needed help, he wrote down the vehicle’s registration number, then got out of the police car and approached the vehicle.

State police say several shots were fired from a window rolled down by the driver of a new model black Dodge Charger.

The trooper said he heard several pops and realized he had been hit in the leg. The services claim that when the driver drove away, he immediately hid behind the police car.

“He was able to retrieve the first aid kit and treat his own wounds,” New York State Police Superintendent Steven James said.

Another trooper who responded to the shooting helped Mascia to Nassau University Medical Center.

He underwent surgery on his injured leg and is expected to recover.

Soldier Mascia’s neighbor, Diane Sherin, spoke to Eyewitness News and said this is not the first time he has been injured.

“This is his second injury,” Sherin said. “He was injured 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, great guy, he’s just always been so nice,” she said. “He helps us shovel the snow. He is so kind and caring. We all pray for him and hope he comes back to us to recover again.”

The suspect fled westbound in the Charger. It had a temporary New Jersey license plate number of 997636T. The vehicle is further described as having custom matte gray dual exhaust tips.

“Soldier Mascia’s desire was to help someone who seemed to need help, unfortunately Soldier Mascia’s good intentions were met with unexpected shots fired towards him from a coward who without any provocation, good shot or good reason started shooting at him,” said Major Steve Eustace of the New York State Police.

There is no body camera footage because the officer did not turn on his squad car’s full light bar. It finally activated when he took his gun out of its holster.

He was unable to fire any shots at the suspect because they fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

The NYPD and other law enforcement agencies were alerted to a vehicle possibly fleeing into New York City, but could not immediately locate it.

Law enforcement agencies have reported an increase in criminal activity involving vehicles with temporary or paper license plates.

The New York State Trooper PBA released a statement saying:

“We are outraged by the actions of this cowardly man who did not think to shoot a soldier who was simply doing his job. The perpetrator must be brought to justice quickly. We thank the medical providers who are providing our brother with the care he needs, and we will support him as he hopes to make a speedy recovery. This incident highlights the dangers our members face every day as they serve all New Yorkers and is a reminder that any interaction can prove deadly as a call to action for our state leaders to work closely with our union to keep PBA members safe and the society they protect and serve.”

Cop Show is an information rewards program offering cash in exchange for the arrest and conviction of anyone who shot and killed a New York City Police officer or member of the State Police.

“We understand that this soldier was trying to check if the driver needed help. For his efforts, he was shot at and hit by a bullet. We hope our $10,000 cash reward will help police apprehend this suspect and get a dangerous criminal off the streets. “Someone out there knows something and we urge them to call our confidential, 24/7 COP SHOT hotline,” said John Provetto, president 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.

READ ALSO: 3 people shot in the Bronx

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