Police officer killed, another injured in shooting involving 14-year-old suspect: authorities

Detective Joseph Azcona of the Newark Police Department was tragically shot and killed in the line of duty on Friday night in Newark, New Jersey. The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed that the incident occurred near the intersection of Carteret Street and Broadway at around 6:37 p.m. Detective Azcona was ambushed and did not have the opportunity to exit his police vehicle before being struck by gunfire. A second officer was also injured in the shooting and remains in critical condition at University Hospital, fighting for their life. A 14-year-old suspect was identified, shot, and taken into custody. The teen suspect is expected to survive his injuries and has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of illegal weapons.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office released a statement confirming the shooting and the ongoing investigation into the incident. Prosecutor Theodore Stephens addressed reporters on Saturday morning, providing details about the attack and the charges against the 14-year-old suspect. Stephens emphasized that the investigation is active and ongoing, with no further information available at the time of the statement. University Hospital declined to provide updates on the injured officer’s condition, citing patient privacy concerns. The New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association shared on Facebook that the injured officer is in critical condition and requested prayers for their recovery, as well as for the families of both officers involved.

Detective Azcona’s death has sent shockwaves through the law enforcement community and the state of New Jersey. The New York Police Department issued a statement mourning the loss of Detective Azcona, highlighting his dedication to public service and the ultimate sacrifice he made to protect his community. New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy also addressed the tragedy, stating that he had been briefed on the incident and urging residents to pray for the officers, their families, and all first responders who risk their lives daily to keep communities safe. Murphy and his wife, Tammy, made a private visit to University Hospital in Newark to pay their respects and offer support to the affected families.

The broader law enforcement community has come together to express grief and solidarity in the wake of this tragedy. Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued a statement expressing his office’s support for the Newark Police Department and the families of the officers involved. Platkin emphasized the sacrifices made by law enforcement officers every day and called for prayers for the recovery of the injured officer and for strength for the families of those affected. The incident has also drawn attention to the dangers faced by police officers nationwide. Fraternal Order of Police National Vice President Joe Gamaldi noted that within a span of just a few hours, four police officers were shot across the United States, including the two in Newark. Gamaldi described the incidents as “beyond heartbreaking” and urged the public to keep all affected officers and their families in their thoughts and prayers.

Detective Joseph Azcona’s death has been met with an outpouring of tributes and condolences from the community. His colleagues and law enforcement agencies across the region have praised his bravery, dedication, and commitment to justice. Azcona’s sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the risks that police officers take every day to protect their communities. The injured officer, whose name has not been released, remains in critical condition at University Hospital, and their fight for recovery has been met with an overwhelming show of support from the public and the law enforcement community.

The shooting has also sparked a renewed conversation about the challenges and dangers faced by law enforcement officers in the United States. As the investigation into the incident continues, the focus remains on supporting the families of the officers involved and honoring the memory of Detective Joseph Azcona. The community has come together to offer prayers, condolences, and gratitude for the officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep others safe. The tragedy serves as a reminder of the resilience and strength of both the law enforcement community and the people they serve.