Trooper Shooting Suspect Remains On Loose; Reward Up To $10,000

WEST HEMPSTEAD, NY — A suspect is wanted for shooting a state trooper Wednesday night on the Southern State Parkway and a new reward is being offered.

COP SHOT, has posted a $10,000 bounty in the manhunt for the person who shot Trooper Thomas Mascia, as he approached a black Dodge Charger by Exit 17.

Anyone with information should call COP SHOT’s toll-free dedicated hotline at 1-800-COP-SHOT.

The cash reward would be given based on an arrest and conviction.

"We understand this Trooper was attempting to see if the motorist needed assistance. For his efforts, he was fired upon and struck by a bullet. We hope our $10,000 cash reward will help police apprehend this suspect and take a dangerous criminal off the streets," said John Provetto, chairman of COP SHOT, the acronym for Citizens Outraged at Police Being Shot, a community organization of business leaders.

At a Thursday news conference, State Police Superintendent Steven James called the shooter "most certainly a dangerous individual," State Police Superintendent Steven James said.

Tommy Shevlin of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association said this "act of violence against a dedicated public servant underscores the dangers our officers face daily to protect and serve our communities."

Shevlin offered thoughts and prayers to Mascia.

"This incident reminds us of the risks our officers take each time they put on the badge, and the importance of standing together as a community to uphold the safety and respect our officers deserve," Shevlin said.