A former New York State Police trooper, Thomas J. Mascia, has been charged after allegedly shooting himself in the leg and falsely claiming he was attacked. Investigators later uncovered additional legal violations involving his family, leading to multiple charges against him and his parents.
The Incident: A False Report of a Shooting
On the night of October 30, Mascia, 27, reported that he had been shot while checking on a disabled vehicle on the Southern State Parkway in New York. The report triggered a massive law enforcement response from multiple agencies, including the New York State Police, Nassau County Police, and even police departments from New Jersey and Delaware.
According to Mascia’s account, he approached a dark vehicle in the median when he heard “several pops,” after which the vehicle allegedly fled. He called for help, prompting immediate action from authorities searching for the supposed shooter.
However, investigators soon realized that no such attacker existed. Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly confirmed in a press conference that Mascia had fabricated the entire incident.
“The shooter that we were all looking for only existed in Mascia’s head, in his imagination,” Donnelly said.
Investigation Uncovers More Evidence
Following Mascia’s release from the hospital, officials conducted a search of his home. Investigators discovered an illegal firearm in his parents’ bedroom, along with approximately $800,000 in cash.
Mascia’s father, 62-year-old Thomas Mascia Sr., is a former New York City police officer and a convicted felon, legally prohibited from possessing a firearm. Both his father and mother, 55-year-old Dorothy Mascia, were charged with criminal possession of a firearm, a class E felony.
Charges Against Thomas Mascia
Mascia has been charged with:
- Tampering with physical evidence (Class E felony) – For attempting to mislead law enforcement.
- Falsely reporting an incident (Class A misdemeanor) – For fabricating a crime.
- Official misconduct (Class A misdemeanor) – For abusing his position as a state trooper.
If convicted, Mascia could face one to three years in prison.
Mental Health Concerns and Family’s Response
Jeffrey Lichtman, the attorney representing the Mascia family, described the case as a “tragedy caused by unseen and untreated mental health issues.” He claimed this was not the first time Mascia had harmed himself while on duty and criticized authorities for allowing him to continue working without proper psychological treatment.
Reactions from Law Enforcement
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James condemned Mascia’s actions, stating that the fabricated story wasted law enforcement resources and damaged public trust.
“This is an egregious act that not only triggered a massive response but also harmed the reputation of law enforcement in general,” James said.
Officials also pointed out inconsistencies in Mascia’s body camera footage. His camera did not activate immediately, and when it did, it appeared to be deliberately covered. Additionally, there were no 911 reports about a disabled vehicle matching Mascia’s description.
What’s Next?
Mascia and his parents appeared in court on January 29 and were released. Their next court date is scheduled for February 5 at 9:00 a.m. The case is ongoing, and further legal actions may follow.
The case of Thomas Mascia highlights serious issues surrounding false police reports, mental health concerns in law enforcement, and illegal firearm possession. While Mascia’s actions caused widespread disruption, they also raised questions about his psychological well-being and the oversight within police departments. As legal proceedings continue, authorities will determine the full extent of accountability for Mascia and his parents.
