NY state trooper shot during traffic stop on Long Island; shooter at large

LONG ISLAND - A New York State Trooper was shot late Wednesday night during a traffic stop on the Southern State Parkway in Nassau County. 

Trooper Thomas Mascia, 27, was shot in the leg around midnight after tending to what he thought was a stranded vehicle near exit 17 in West Hempstead. 

"Someone who is willing to fire a gun at a law enforcement officer is most certainly a dangerous individual," superintendent of the New York State Police Steven James said.

Officials say when Mascia approached the car, a man immediately opened fire before pulling off and heading westbound. Mascia was on routine patrol on the parkway by himself.

Trooper Mascia pulled up behind the car thinking it was a stranded driver. 

"Trooper Mascia's desire was to help someone that appeared to need assistance. Unfortunately, Trooper Mascia's good intentions were met with unexpected gun shots directed at him from a coward," commander of Troop L, Major Steven Udice said.

Police say the shooter was driving a black Dodge Charger with dual exhaust tips and temporary New Jersey plates reading "997636T." 

Mascia did not have a chance to shoot back because the suspect drove away, so he called for help. 

He went into his patrol car and grabbed his first aid bag and applied a tourniquet to himself to limit bleeding. 

The trooper was then taken to Nassau University Medical Center in stable condition. 

Authorities have not disclosed what led to the shooting and the investigation remains ongoing. 

Police do not have a description of the suspect because he or she opened fire before the trooper had a chance to engage. The only description police have of the suspect is that "they are a coward."

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.