NEW YORK — An investigation has commenced by the New York State Police into a trooper who reported being shot by an unidentified assailant on a Long Island highway last week.

State police Maj. Stephen Udice, who oversees the Long Island troop, announced Wednesday that the details provided by Trooper Thomas Mascia are now under scrutiny, and they are considering potential criminal charges against him.

The 27-year-old trooper, who has been serving since 2019, faced suspension without pay starting Monday.

“If we determine that criminal charges are warranted, we will pursue them,” Udice stated during a press conference at the troop’s headquarters in Farmingdale. He reassured the public that the investigation is being conducted with the diligence and professionalism that the New York State Police is known for.

Udice did not disclose specifics regarding what investigators believe transpired or what evidence has been gathered during recent searches at Mascia’s West Hempstead residence.

“From our investigation thus far, we have reason to suspect that the incident did not unfold as initially reported,” he added, emphasizing that the inquiry is still ongoing.

The state police commander expressed his disappointment over the situation, particularly after having praised Mascia during his recovery in the hospital. “This situation overshadows the remarkable work performed by our state police officers on a daily basis,” he remarked, noting the emotional weight of the current circumstances.

Mascia had alleged that on October 30, he was shot in the leg by the occupant of a black sedan parked on the Southern State Parkway, just a mile from his home. He reported that the driver fled towards New York City in a temporary New Jersey-registered vehicle, which led to a lengthy manhunt.

Authorities indicated that there is no video evidence of the incident because Mascia’s body camera was not activated during the event.

Mascia’s attorney, Jeffrey Lichtman, confirmed via email that he and his client are cooperating with the Nassau County District Attorney’s office in the current investigation and are maintaining open lines of communication, but he opted not to provide additional comments on the matter.