Former New York State Trooper Pleads Guilty to Staging Own Shooting, Triggering Massive Manhunt

MINEOLA, N.Y. — Former New York State Trooper Thomas Mascia, 27, pleaded guilty on May 21, 2025, to charges stemming from a fabricated shooting incident that led to a large-scale manhunt and significant public alarm. The incident occurred on October 30, 2024, when Mascia claimed he was shot in the leg by an unknown assailant during a traffic stop on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead, Long Island.

The Fabricated Incident

Mascia’s account prompted an extensive three-day search for the alleged shooter, whom he described as a “dark-skinned” man wearing a balaclava and driving a vehicle with temporary New Jersey plates. Investigators later determined that Mascia had staged the entire event: he shot himself in the leg with a .22-caliber rifle at Hempstead Lake State Park, planted shell casings at the supposed crime scene, and then called for backup, claiming he had been attacked..

Legal Proceedings and Sentencing

In Nassau County Court, Mascia pleaded guilty to charges including tampering with physical evidence, falsely reporting an incident, and official misconduct. As part of a plea agreement, he is expected to serve six months in jail, followed by five years of probation, and is required to undergo continued mental health treatment. Additionally, Mascia agreed to pay $289,000 in restitution to cover the costs incurred during the manhunt.

Motivation and Background

Prosecutors suggested that Mascia’s actions were motivated by a desire to gain sympathy from a former girlfriend. His defense attorney stated that Mascia was suffering from an undiagnosed mental health condition at the time of the incident and is now receiving treatment.

Family Involvement

During the investigation, authorities discovered an illegal firearm at Mascia’s residence. His parents, Dorothy and Thomas Mascia Sr., also faced legal consequences: both pleaded guilty to criminal possession of a weapon. His father, a former NYPD officer with a prior conviction related to a 1990s cocaine ring, is expected to be sentenced to five years of probation, while his mother is anticipated to receive a conditional discharge.

Sentencing Date

Mascia is scheduled to be formally sentenced on August 20, 2025.

The case has raised concerns about the misuse of law enforcement resources and the potential dangers of fabricated reports, highlighting the importance of mental health awareness and integrity within the police force.