$5K Reward Offered For Car With Temporary NJ Tags Sought In NY State Trooper's Shooting

NEW JERSEY — Authorities are offering a reward for information leading to the person who shot a New York State trooper on Long Island, then fled in a car with temporary New Jersey tags.

New York State Police said the shooting took place on Wednesday night at 11:45 p.m along the Southern State Parkway, near Exit 17 in West Hempstead. The trooper was shot in his leg and is in stable condition at Nassau University Medical Center, Police Superintendent Steven James said on Thursday.

Officials are looking for male suspect who fled in a black Dodge Charger. The car might have a paper New Jersey license plate with the number 997636T, and was described as having custom matte gray dual exhaust tips.

"Someone who is willing to fire a gun at a law enforcement officer is most certainly a dangerous individual," James said.

James said at the news conference on Thursday that the suspect is still on the loose, and that there is not body camera footage of the shooting or the vehicle.

The New York State Police is partnering with Suffolk County Crime Stoppers to offer a $5,000 reward for anyone who provides information that leads to an arrest and conviction of the person responsible "for this cowardly act," Major Stephen Udice said.

The trooper, 27-year-old Thomas Mascia, was on routine patrol just before midnight when a vehicle when he noticed a stopped vehicle on the median that "appeared to need help," Udice said.

Mascia pulled up behind the car and the driver began firing through the window, Udice added.

"He became a target for them," Udice said. "They started firing rounds at him."

The New York State Troopers PBA said in a statement: "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."

New York State Police ask any witnesses, or anyone with information regarding the shooting, to call 631-756-3300.

Related article — Suspect Still At Large In Southern State Pkwy Shooting, Reward Offered

Patch's Jerry Barmash contributed to this report.