'I'm hit' State Trooper describes shooter's vehicle on radio after being shot on Southern State Parkway

Trooper Thomas Mascia stopped near Exit 17 in Hempstead to help what appeared to be a stranded driver around 11:45 Wednesday night.

Jon Dowding

Nov 1, 2024, 2:36 AM

Updated 22 days ago

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The radio calls to police dispatch details the moments after a State Trooper was shot on the Southern State Parkway Wednesday night.
When he approached the vehicle, that's when he heard several pops.
"Shots fired, shots fired. I'm hit. Westbound Southern State right before Exit 17," said Mascia to police dispatch. 
A dispatcher then is heard asking him if he had any injuries. 
“I think my kneecap is broken,” he said. “Vehicle is a dark Charger. Temp tag New Jersey."
Mascia spoke in a calm manner throughout the exchange with the dispatcher even as state police say the shooter fled the scene. 
Multiple rewards totaling up to $15,000 are now being offered for information to help police find the shooter.
Mascia had surgery Thursday, and his injuries are not considered life-threatening.