A 14 -year -old boy was arrested and accused of murder for the death of a Newark police officer, New Jersey, after shots were exchanged between the police and a group on Friday night, according to prosecutors.
Joseph Azcona, 26, a five -year -old veteran from the Newark Police Department was shot during the incident and declared himself dead in the hospital hours later, police said.
A second officer and a suspect were shot, both suffered injuries that do not threaten life, Essex County prosecutor, Theodore Stephens.
In this photo published by the Newark Police Department, detective Joseph Azcona is shown.
Newark Police Department
Police officers were investigating possible illegal firearms around 6:30 pm, when the shots were exchanged, Stephens said at a press conference on Saturday.
Four others have also been arrested, Stephens said.
Officials responsible for enforcing the law work at the Newark shooting scene on March 7, 2025.
Wabc
The 14 -year -old suspect is also accused of attempted murder and possession with illegal weapons. He suffered injuries that do not threaten life, Stephens said.
“The law agents leave their loved ones every day and put their lives on the line for the safety and well -being of our communities,” said the Essex County Sheriff, Amir Jones, in a statement on Saturday.
“The atrocious acts that took place last night have left a family, a community and the brotherhood and brotherhood of the Devastated Police and with a void that can never be filled,” Jones said.
