A New York State Trooper lied about being shot to gain sympathy. It's a sad day when we find out that a law enforcement officer was dishonest, especially about something so serious. Incidents like this erode the public's trust in police, but hopefully, this is the first step in seeking justice.

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Attempted Bank Robbery Leaves One Dead
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According to the Officer Down Memorial page, 589 police officers have died in the line of duty due to Gunfire. Anytime a police officer is shot, it causes concern. If someone is willing to shoot a police officer, they are more than likely willing to shoot anyone.

NYSP Trooper Hailed As Hero Arrested For Making Up Story About Shooting

On October 30, 2024, at a quarter till midnight, 27-year-old Trooper Thomas J. Mascia reported that he was shot in the leg. He said the incident happened while he was investigating a disabled vehicle parked on the median on the Southern State Parkway near Exit 17. He was transported to a local hospital and treated for a gunshot wound to his right leg. Due to the heightened concern of an officer allegedly being shot, a search to locate the vehicle was initiated.

Credit: CBS New York via Youtube

To me, one of the most disturbing parts of Trooper Mascia's story is that he blamed the shooting on a Black or Hispanic man. We are now living in times where Americans are very divided and there is a lot of rhetoric attempting to further divide us by race. In addition, he could have put the lives of innocent Black and Hispanic males at risk by claiming they shot a police officer. Many people of color have been pulled over and aggressively questioned or killed due to "fitting the description." It's pretty despicable that a sworn law officer would knowingly put New Yorkers' lives at risk.

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New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James and the Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly recently announced that the arrest Trooper Mascia, who is a resident of West Hempstead, was arrested on charges of tampering with physical evidence, falsely reporting an incident, and official misconduct. He resigned from his position as an NYSP Trooper. His father and mother, Thomas Mascia Sr. and Dorothy Mascia, were also each arrested on one count of criminal possession of a firearm. He allegedly shot himself for sympathy and attention.

Each of the three defendants will appear in court on February 5, at 9 am.

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