A 14-year-old boy has been arrested and charged with murder in connection with the fatal shooting of Newark police officer Joseph Azcona, prosecutors announced Saturday.
The 26-year-old officer, a five-year veteran of the Newark Police Department, was shot during a confrontation Friday night and later pronounced dead at the hospital.
Gunfire Erupts During Investigation
Authorities say the incident unfolded around 6:30 p.m. when police were investigating possible illegal firearms. Shots were exchanged between officers and a group, resulting in injuries to a second officer and a suspect, according to Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens.
Suspect Faces Multiple Charges
The 14-year-old suspect, who also suffered non-life-threatening injuries, is charged with:
- Murder
- Attempted murder
- Illegal weapons possession
Four other individuals have also been taken into custody as part of the investigation.
Officials Condemn Violence
Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones expressed his condolences, stating:
“Law enforcement officers leave their loved ones every day and put their lives on the line for the safety and well-being of our communities.”
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He added that the tragedy has left “a family, a community, and the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement devastated.”
The investigation remains ongoing.
