A New York State trooper was shot in the leg on 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 a New York State Trooper on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead on Long Island.

Trooper Thomas Mascia, 27, was shot in the westbound lanes of the Parkway 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 median of the Parkway.

Believing the driver needed assistance, he noted the vehicle’s license plate number, then exited his patrol car and approached the vehicle.

State police say several bullets were fired from a window that was rolled down by the driver of the late model black Dodge Charger.

The officer said he heard several pops and realized he had been hit in the leg. Officials say he immediately took cover behind his patrol car as the driver took off.

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

A fellow trooper who responded to the shooting helped rush Mascia to Nassau University Medical Center.

He underwent surgery on his injured leg and is expected to make a full recovery.

Trooper Mascia’s neighbor Diane Sherin spoke with Eyewitness News and said this isn’t the first time he’s been injured.

“It’s the second time he’s been injured,” Sherin said. “He was injured before. He was hit by a car while he was also at work.”

Sherin says he was stationed in Upstate New York at the time of the crash.

“He’s a great kid, a great guy, he’s always been so nice,” she said. “He helps us shovel snow and he is so kind and caring. We are all praying for him and hoping he will come back and heal with us.”

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

“It was Trooper Mascia’s desire to help someone who appeared to be in need of assistance. Unfortunately, Trooper Mascia’s good intentions were met with unexpected gunshots aimed at him by a coward, who without any provocation, good shot or good reason, fired at him started shooting,” said Major Steve Eustace of the New York State Police.

There is no body camera footage because the officer did not turn on his full light bar for his patrol car. It finally activated when he unholstered his gun.

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

The NYPD and other law enforcement agencies were alerted that the vehicle was possibly fleeing into New York City, but it was not immediately located.

Law enforcement officials noted that they have seen 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 sickened by the actions of this cowardly individual who had no thought to shoot a soldier who was just doing his job. This 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 ensures what we hope will be a speedy recovery. This incident underscores the dangers our members bravely face every day in service to all New Yorkers and reminds us that every interaction has the potential to turn deadly as a call to action for our state leaders to work closely with our union to ensure the safety of PBA members and the public they protect and serve.”

Cop Show is a reward-for-information program that offers money for the arrest and conviction of anyone who shoots a New York City police officer or member of the state police.

“We understand this Trooper was trying to see if the motorist needed assistance. For his efforts he was shot and hit by a bullet. We hope our $10,000 reward will help police arrest this suspect and take 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 dead in the Bronx

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