Newark Police Officer Killed, Another Injured After 14-Year-Old Opened Indiscriminate Firing- wna24

Newark: A 14-year-old boy opened indiscriminate firing near the Passaic River in Newark, leading to the death of a police officer and injuring another. The devastating incident occurred in Newark in New Jersey, on Friday evening, during which a 25-year-old police officer, identified as Joseph Azcona, succumbed to his injuries. The officer was part of a Newark police intelligence team that had gone to capture a suspect in an illegal weapons investigation when he was fired on in his vehicle, authorities said.

According to eyewitnesses, it was a chaotic scene at the spot, with police officers running down a busy street before a volley of a dozen or more gunshots were heard. The incident occurred in the area of Broadway and Carteret, near the Passaic River, with witnesses reporting a string of gunshots after seeing officers running down the street. “It sounded like a car accident and it went boom, boom, boom,” said a witness, to local media. 

After the preliminary inquiry into the incident, a 14-year-old was charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of illegal weapons in connection with the incident. The teenager was shot and hospitalised with injuries that were not life-threatening, according to Essex County Prosecutor Theodore N Stevens II. 

As per reports, four other people were taken into custody and are undergoing questioning by investigators.

The Newark Police stated that the officer Azcona was a five-year veteran of the Newark police force and was promoted to detective two years ago. His death has sent shockwaves through the community, with Newark Mayor Ras Baraka calling the shooting a “heinous, callous disregard for humanity.” Azcona’s family, including his mother, father, and brother, were at the hospital to see him and grieve after the shooting. 

Further details regarding the deadly firing incident in Newark are being awaited.