A New York State Police trooper from Long Island is in stable condition after being shot on the Southern State Parkway just before midnight.

According to police, the officer-involved shooting unfolded on the westbound side of the parkway near Exit 17 in West Hempstead around 11:45 p.m. Wednesday.

Police said the suspect, believed to be a dark-skinned male, fled in a black sedan, possibly a Dodge Charger, with a New Jersey temporary plate 997636T. The vehicle is further described as having custom matte gray dual exhaust tips.

Officials are asking for the public's help locating the vehicle and suspect.

It's still unclear what led up to the shooting.

Police said the trooper, identified as Thomas Mascia, 27, is in stable condition and being treated at Nassau University Medical Center for notlife-threating injuries. Mascia has been a trooper since 2019.

The parkway was closed during the investigation but has since reopened.

“Anyone that would target a law enforcement officer is one of the most dangerous individuals in our society. We will aggressively pursue every lead with the intention of apprehending the suspect,” officials said during a news conference this morning.

State police said Trooper Mascia had stopped to help what appeared to be a stranded motorist. State Police Superintendent Steven James said as he approached the vehicle, he heard "several pops" and realized he'd been wounded in his leg.

Trooper Mascia's Nassau County neighbor Diane Sherin described the trooper as "so sweet and so amazing." She said, "It's hard to be a first responder nowadays."

A $5,000 reward is being offered for the whereabouts of the suspect. Anyone with information is asked to call 631-756-3300.