WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY — A manhunt is underway after a New York State Police trooper was shot by a suspect overnight in Nassau County, Long Island.
Trooper Thomas Mascia was shot shortly before midnight on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead after he stopped at a vehicle parked in the median, police said.
“As he approached the rear of the suspect’s vehicle, he heard several pops and realized he was injured in his right leg,” a state police official said at Thursday morning’s news conference.
Mascia, 27, was shot in the right leg and administered first aid to himself at the scene. His injuries were not life-threatening, “but it is too early to determine what type of recovery he will endure,” the official said.
Mascia was able to get the vehicle’s license plate number as the suspect fled immediately after the shooting, police said.
State police are looking for license plate number: NJ 997636T
The shooting happened just before midnight on the west side of the Southern State Parkway, near Exit 17.
Investigators said the suspect was driving a dark vehicle, believed to be a black Dodge Charger, with a New Jersey temporary paper license plate: 997636T.
“We have launched a major search for the suspect’s vehicle,” police said.
The car has custom matte gray dual exhaust tips and took off westbound on the Southern State Parkway, officials added.
New York State Police have asked anyone who witnessed the shooting or saw the suspect’s vehicle to call Troop L in Farmingdale at 631-756-3300.
Mascia was in stable condition at Nassau University Medical Center, police said.
Stay with CBS News New York as we learn more details about this developing story.
Mark Prussia contributed to this report.
Natalie Duddridge
