New York State Police: Former Trooper Shot Himself, Filed False Report
By Robert Harding
Source The Citizen, Auburn, N.Y. (TNS)
NASSAU COUNTY, New York -- A former New York state trooper who claimed he was shot while checking a disabled vehicle has been arrested after an investigation revealed he allegedly shot himself.
Thomas Mascia, 27, was arraigned Monday in Nassau County District Court. He is charged with tampering with physical evidence, a class E felony, and two class A misdemeanors — falsely reporting an incident and official misconduct.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred at about 11:45 p.m. Oct. 30. Mascia reported that he had been shot while checking a disabled vehicle on the Southern State Parkway. He was transported to the hospital for treatment.
In the aftermath of the reported incident, the state police — based on Mascia's account — announced they were seeking a dark-skinned male driving a black Dodge Charger. A temporary New Jersey license plate number was provided.
Less than a week later, Mascia was suspended and an internal investigation commenced. The inquiry focused on whether Mascia shot himself. The search for a suspect and vehicle ended.
According to the state police, the investigation led by the agency's Troop L Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the Nassau County District Attorney's Office found that Mascia shot himself before making the false report. Investigators determined there was no evidence to back up his story that he was shot while checking on a disabled vehicle.
Mascia has since resigned as a state trooper.
An illegally possessed firearm was seized during a search of the Mascia family home. Mascia's parents, Dorothy, 55, and Thomas Sr., 62, were charged with criminal possession of a firearm, a class E felony. They were also arraigned in Nassau County District Court.
The Mascias are due to return to court at 9 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 5.
Government reporter Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 664-4631 or [email protected]. Follow him on X @RobertHarding.
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