Newark, New Jersey – Authorities in Newark have charged a 14-year-old with murder and attempted murder following a fatal shootout that claimed the life of a police officer and left another critically injured on Friday night. The incident took place near a McDonald’s and White Castle around 6:30 p.m. local time.
According to officials from the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the officers were conducting an investigation into the possession of illegal firearms by a group of individuals based on criminal intelligence. The exchange of gunfire occurred during their interaction, resulting in injuries to two officers and the suspect.
Detective Joseph Azcona, a five-year veteran of the Newark Police Department, was shot before he could exit his vehicle and succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The 26-year-old detective, who was part of the intelligence unit, was promoted two years ago and was not married. His family was present at the hospital when he passed away.
The second officer, who sustained critical injuries, was transported to the hospital, where his condition is said to be stable. The suspected shooter, also a 14-year-old, was treated for non-life-threatening injuries and was found to be in possession of an automatic weapon believed to be the murder weapon.
Authorities have brought multiple charges against the teenager, including murder, attempted murder, and illegal weapon possession. Several other individuals are in custody for questioning, though it is unclear if they will face charges. Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens II hailed the officers involved as heroes and urged support for law enforcement.
Mayor Ras Baraka emphasized the need for the community to prevent children from accessing firearms, stating that the issue goes beyond law enforcement. He expressed solidarity with the injured officer and the grieving Newark police force. Baraka called for collective efforts to address the root causes of gun violence and protect the city’s youth.