By Jessica Schladebeck
New York Daily News
NEW YORK — A manhunt was underway Thursday morning for the gunman who shot and wounded a New York state trooper on Long Island’s Southern State Parkway, police said.
The violence unfolded just before midnight on Wednesday on the parkway’s westbound lanes, near exit 17 in West Hempstead, according to a press release from state police.
Authorities provided few other details about the incident, saying only that “a shooting occurred” between the suspect and the unidentified trooper, who was struck in the leg during the gunfire.
A fellow trooper on the scene provided aid before the wounded officer was transported to Nassau University Medical Center. He was listed in stable condition as of Thursday morning, police said.
It’s still unclear what prompted the gunfire.
The suspect, meanwhile, fled the scene and appeared to be traveling westbound in a black sedan, possibly a Dodge Charger, with a New Jersey temporary tag of 997636T.
“The vehicle is further described as having custom matte gray dual exhaust tips,” according to authorities.
Police said it’s possible the suspect was traveling to the New York City area, and they have notified the NYPD and other local agencies to be on the lookout, NBC New York reported. They’ve also asked anyone who may have information about the case to reach out to law enforcement.
In wake of the shooting, westbound lanes were briefly closed for the investigation but reopened around 5:30 a.m. Eastbound lanes were not affected and remain open.
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