Newark shooting: Police officer killed in New Jersey shootout ID'd as Detective Joseph Azcona; 14-year-old charged with murder

NEWARK, N.J. — A 14-year-old faces charges of murder and attempted murder following the fatal shooting of a police officer in New Jersey on Friday night. Another officer was critically injured in the incident.

It happened just after 6:30 p.m. local time in Newark near a McDonald’s and a White Castle.

Authorities from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office indicate that the officers were looking into a group of individuals suspected of possessing illegal firearms based on criminal intelligence.

Officials say shots were exchanged upon the interaction with police and two officers and a suspect were hit by gunfire.

Det. Joseph Azcona, a five-year veteran of the Newark Police Department, was shot before he had a chance to get out of his vehicle, officials said.

The 26-year-old was later pronounced dead at the hospital.

Detective Azcona, who had been promoted two years earlier and was part of the intelligence unit, tragically lost his life. His parents and five brothers were present at the hospital when he was pronounced dead. He was not married.

The second officer hit was taken to the hospital in critical conditions, but as of Saturday morning, his injuries were not believed to be life-threatening.

The 14-year-old suspected shooter was also taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. He was in possession of an automatic weapon, believed to be the murder weapon, officials say.

Officials with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office said the teen is charged with numerous crimes including murder, attempted murder and possession of illegal weapons.

At least four other people are in custody and being questioned. It is not yet clear if they will face charges but officials say “everybody was captured” that was involved.

“The thing to remember, primarily, is the officers involved are heroes, everyday heroes that work the streets of the city of Newark and cities and municipalities like it throughout this county, state and within this nation, so they continue to be individuals worthy of being in tour prayers and we have to support them to the extent that we can,” Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II said.

Mayor Ras Baraka also spoke at a press conference on Saturday. He said the community and families have to do a better job at keeping guns out of the hands of children.

“We just have to do a better job, I have to do a better job, our families have to do a better job, the community has to do a better job at making sure that our children are not handling guns in the street, shooting at police officers,” Baraka said. “This is not a police problem. This is our problem, is our collective problem.”

Baraka said he and the community are praying for the recovery of the other officer and they are standing by the officers in the city of Newark who are in mourning and grieving.

Copyright © 2025 WABC-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
Did Sunny Hostin Quit ‘The View’? Why Isn’t She On This Week?

Why is Sunny Hostin Missing from ‘The View’ This Week?

Sunny Hostin’s absence from today’s episode of The View was noticeable and…
Melania Stomps on That Silly Barron Trump-Harvard University Rumor

“Melania Addresses False Rumor About Barron Trump Attending Harvard University”

Nah. His son Barron applied to Harvard and didn’t get in, goes…
Jersey Shore bar cancels Springsteen cover band over The Boss' anti-Trump rants

Springsteen Cover Band Banned from Jersey Shore Bar for Anti-Trump Comments

Bruce Springsteen just got canceled — at the Jersey Shore. A cover…
Shocking true story about David Geffen's boy toy husband, 32... from his family and ex GIRLFRIEND... as he prepares to collect millions in no prenup divorce from 82-year-old

The Shocking Tale of David Geffen’s Young Husband Revealed by Family and Ex-Girlfriend as He Prepares for Million-Dollar Divorce Settlement from 82-Year-Old

The adoptive father of David Geffen’s husband, who is much younger, was…
Sickened Hamptons elites call the cops on mom for 'shocking act' in exclusive nightclub's VIP area... so whose side are YOU on?

Upset wealthy residents in the Hamptons report a mother to the police for an unexpected behavior in a high-class club’s special section… so which party do you support?

Hamptons regulars were left stunned and furious after a baby was spotted…
More Winning: San Diego Border Sector Closes Facility After 'Unprecedented Decrease' in Illegal Crossings

San Diego Border Sector Shuts Down Facility Due to Dramatic Drop in Illegal Crossings

On “Fox and Friends” this morning, Charlie Hurt put it this way: …
I drowned for 30 minutes. What I saw while lifeless in the river still haunts me... I didn't want to come back

My 30-Minute Brush with Death: The Haunting Experience I Witnessed While Lifeless in the River Made Me Reluctant to Return

When Lisa Bliss was just 10 years old, she had a frightening…
Glamorous exec beaten into coma at Beanie Babies tycoon's Montecito mansion

High-ranking executive attacked and left in a coma at the luxurious Montecito estate of the Beanie Babies tycoon

A combat veteran held a woman hostage and subjected her to violent…
Former Israeli government spokesperson warns country is in an 'impossible bind' in Gaza

Israel in Challenging Situation in Gaza, Says Former Government Spokesperson

Israel is facing an “impossible dilemma” as it endeavors to defeat Hamas…
Trump admin urged to support striking Iranian truckers: 'Potential to paralyze regime'

Call for Trump Administration to Back Iranian Truckers Strike: Could Halt Government Operations

<!–> Trucker strike gains momentum in Iran Iranian truck drivers have widened…
American Music Awards 2025 branded 'worst show ever' after A-list stars abandon ceremony, desperate J.Lo kisses dancers and Kehlani launches political rant

American Music Awards 2025 labeled the ‘most disappointing event’ as top celebrities skip the show, Jennifer Lopez kisses dancers in a bid to save the ceremony, and Kehlani delivers a passionate political speech

The 2025 American Music Awards have faced criticism, being described as a…
Texas video shows high-speed chase that nabbed escaped Louisiana inmates; another alleged accomplice arrested

Video from Texas captures fast-paced pursuit resulting in capture of escaped Louisiana prisoners; additional suspected accomplice apprehended

Texas authorities released video showing the pursuit and arrest of two New…