Car with NJ license plates sought in shooting of NY State Police trooper

🚨The New York State Police trooper was shot Wednesday

🚨Officials said the gunman took off in a dark-colored sedan with temporary NJ license plates

🚨The injured trooper was hospitalized and had surgery on his leg

A car with temporary New Jersey plates was involved in the shooting of a New York State Police trooper on Long Island late Wednesday night, according to officials.

Trooper Thomas Mascia, 27, was shot multiple times on the westbound Southern State Parkway in the area of Exit 17 in West Hempstead around 11:45 p.m., according to New York State Police Superintendent Steven James.

James said that Mascia pulled up behind a black sedan, possibly a Dodge Charger, parked on the left shoulder, but partially in a lane. The sedan had a New Jersey temporary plate number of 997636T and custom matte gray dual exhaust tips.

As Mascia walked up to the sedan, he heard several pops and realized he had been shot, according to James. The vehicle took off. Mascia did not return fire.

Mascia was able to get back to his troop car and apply a tourniquet before other troopers and first responders arrived.

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 Reward offered

James said that anyone who would fire at a law enforcement officer who only intended to help is considered a danger to the public.

An "all-out search" is underway for the driver across the entire tri-state area, said James. He said the fact that a temporary license plate was on the sedan presents a "challenge" to the investigation.

Suffolk County Crime Stoppers is offering a $5,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of whoever fired at the trooper.

"We are praying for the NY State Trooper who was shot last night," NJ PBA president Peter Andreyev said. "He is in stable condition."

Police asked anyone with information about the shooting to call 631-756-3300.

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