Family of Disgraced New York State Trooper Also Face Charges

Thomas Mascia, the New York State Trooper who claimed he was shot during a traffic stop in October and even given a hero's welcome after he was released from the hospital, turned himself over to the police on Monday after an investigation into his story didn't add up.

Family members are facing charges as well.

A probe launched in November determined that Mascia had concocted the whole story, and according to reports, his father, Thomas Mascia, Sr., a former NYPD officer, and mother, Dorothy, have all surrendered and will face charges, officials said on Monday.

Mascia's parents were charged with criminal possession of a firearm after Nassau County prosecutors say a gun was found at the foot of their bed.

What Did Mascia Say Happened?

According to CBS News, State Trooper Thomas Mascia said he was shot on the Southern State Parkway in West Hempstead, Nassau County, at around 11:45 PM Wednesday after pulling up to a vehicle that was parked on the median, police said.

Mascia claimed he was approaching a disabled vehicle before the driver suddenly opened fire through the window, hitting the Trooper in the right leg, before driving off.

According to reports, Mascia applied first aid before being taken to Nassau University Medical Center for treatment, and he was released on Friday.

Inconsistencies in Mascia's Story

In early November, State Police said they hadn't found the man or located the vehicle he was driving. ABC 7 News reported that police had no longer been searching for that vehicle.

Sources say that the ambush on Mascia was not captured on body camera, which is activated when the vehicle's emergency lights are turned on; State Police said only his rear emergency lights were activated during the incident.

Here's Why Agents Didn't  Believe Mascia's Story

According to CBS New York, the New York State Police conducted two investigations into Long Island State Trooper Thomas Mascia's story.

In a 19-hour house search of Mascia's home and cars, both of which he shares with his parents, investigators found guns and a large amount of cash, according to the source.

No one had been arrested at the time of the finding, but Mascia was suspended without pay, and his ID, shield, and guns were removed.

CBS New York also reports that in 2022, Mascia had a similar claim to last week.  The news outlet stated that two years ago, Mascia said he was injured in a hit-and-run accident, but police never found the alleged car.