A former New York state trooper was arrested and charged after he allegedly shot himself in the leg and falsely reported that he was wounded by an unknown gunman.

Thomas Mascia, 27, shot himself last year at Hempstead Lake State Park before driving to a highway on Long Island and calling for help, prosecutors said Monday.

He is also accused of planting shell casings at the scene where he allegedly shot himself.

Mascia was charged with official misconduct, tampering with evidence and falsifying documents.

A New York State Police vehicle. (New York State Police/FB)

He purported that the driver fled in the direction of New York City in a car with a temporary New Jersey registration, leading authorities to launch a manhunt that lasted several days.

Police said there was no video footage of the incident because Mascia’s body camera was not activated at the time.

Mascia’s father was dismissed from the New York Police Department in 1993 after pleading guilty to cocaine distribution charges.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.