Ex-New York Trooper Charged After Faking Shooting That Triggered Multistate Manhunt

Authorities say Thomas Mascia staged the incident, causing public alarm and wasting law enforcement resources, while his actions and motives remain under scrutiny.

Thomas Mascia, a former New York state trooper, allegedly shot himself in the leg and fabricated a story about an unknown gunman in October 2024.
The staged shooting led to a multistate manhunt, temporary highway closures, and significant disruption to the public and law enforcement operations.
Mascia and his parents have been charged with various offenses, including tampering with evidence and illegal firearm possession, though all have pleaded not guilty.
Prosecutors revealed inconsistencies in Mascia’s account, supported by GPS data and video evidence, which contradicted his claims of encountering a stranded motorist and being shot by a suspect in a black sedan.
Law enforcement officials, including the Nassau County DA, condemned Mascia's actions as a betrayal of public trust and a waste of police resources, while his lawyer cited untreated mental health issues as a contributing factor.