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, Long Island.

Trooper Thomas Mascia, 27, was shot in the westbound lanes of the freeway near exit 17 around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday.

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 road.

Believing the driver needed help, he took the license plate number from the vehicle, then exited the patrol car and approached the vehicle.

State police said several rounds were fired from a rolled-down window by the driver of the 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 tend to his own injuries,” said New York State Police Commissioner Steven James.

A fellow soldier 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 next-door neighbor, Diane Sherin, spoke to Eyewitness News and said this isn’t the first time he’s been hurt.

“This is the second time he’s been hurt,” Sherin said. “He’s been injured before. He was hit by a car while he was working as well.”

Sherin says he was stationed in upstate New York at the time of the accident.

“He’s a great kid, a great guy, he’s always been so kind,” she said. “He helps us shovel the snow and is so kind and caring. We are all praying for him and hope he comes back to recover with us.”

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

“Trooper Mascia’s desire was to assist someone who appeared to be in need of assistance, unfortunately Private Mascia’s good intentions were met with unexpected shots fired at him by a coward, who without any provocation, good shot or good cause , started shooting at him,” 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 patrol car light bar. It finally activated when he holstered his gun.

He was unable to return fire at the suspect as they fled the scene immediately after the shooting.

The NYPD and other law enforcement agencies were alerted that the vehicle might flee 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 Police PBA released a statement saying:

“We are outraged by the actions of this cowardly individual who thought nothing of shooting a soldier who was simply doing his job. This perpetrator must be brought to justice quickly. We thank the health care providers who are giving our brother the care he needs, and we will support him through what we hope is a speedy recovery. This incident highlights the dangers our members bravely face in service to all New Yorkers and is a reminder that any interaction has the potential to become deadly as a call to action for our state leaders to work closely with our union to ensure member safety of the PBA and the public they protect and serve”.

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

“It is our understanding that this trooper was trying to see if the driver needed assistance. For his efforts, he was shot and hit by a bullet. We hope our $10,000 cash reward will help police catch this suspect and get a dangerous criminal off the streets. Someone out there knows something and we urge them to call our confidential 24/7 COP SHOT line,” 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 and killed in the Bronx

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