The 27-year-old allegedly dropped nine .22-caliber shell casings at the scene and later drove to Hempstead Lake State Park where he shot himself in the leg, according to NBC News. Then, Mascia allegedly brought the same gun to his home before driving back to the parkway and reporting he had been shot, according to officials.

Former state trooper Thomas J. Mascia, 27, has been charged with a felony and two misdemeanors, including tampering with physical evidence.

Nassau County district attorney Anne T. Donnelly alleges the 27-year-old shot himself "for sympathy, attention, to ease a wounded ego."