By Zo Terrana
Staff Writer
A Newark, New Jersey detective was killed and another officer critically injured after being engaged in a shootout with a 14-year-old suspect on March 7. The teenage suspect has been taken into custody on murder charges, according to USA Today.
The pair were part of a team tasked with investigating “a report of illegal firearms,” according to NBC New York. During the investigation, gunfire was heard by witnesses around the area of Broadway and Carteret Street after police ran across a commercial strip located near the Passaic River.
Detective Joseph Azcona, 26, has been identified as the deceased victim. The injured officer has been left unnamed, according to CBS News. Azcona and his police partner were shot while the police car pulled up to the scene. The 14-year-old suspect shot Azcona while still in the vehicle and Azcona’s partner was shot while outside the vehicle, according to the New York Post. The suspected shooter was shot as well. The injured suspect is not in critical condition, but remains hospitalized.
Both Azcona and his police partner were transferred to University Hospital in Newark. Azcona died at 2:34 a.m. He was surrounded by his mother, father and brothers. The officer’s body was transported from the Newark hospital to a local funeral home, according to NJ.com. Officers from across New Jersey came to Newark to show their respects, lining the streets in solidarity with the police community. Azcona’s partner remains in the hospital with gunshot wounds but is not in life-threatening condition.
Azcona worked at the Newark Police Department for five years as a decorated detective, according to the New York Post. He leaves behind a prestigious career which saw him garner multiple awards. In 2023, Azcona was given a medal for excellence, Newark Lodge Officer of the Month in 2022 and Newark 4th Precinct citation in 2020.
The teenage suspect’s firearm was recovered at the scene and four other individuals have been taken into custody for questioning by police and county investigators, according to NBC New York.
Ras Baraka, mayor of Newark, stated that the shooting was “heinous” and a “disregard for humanity,” according to NBC New York. Baraka spoke on how this incident wasn't a police issue, but rather was a “collective issue” on the part of himself and the surrounding community. The mayor drew attention to the community by saying how the families of the youth have to do better in making sure minors don't have access to guns.
In a joint statement provided by the city of Newark and produced by Newark Public Safety Deputy Mayor Lakeesha Eure, Office of Violence Prevention and Trauma Recovery Director Kyleesha Wingfield-Hill and Brick City Peace Collective Director Jessiah Paul, the officials reflected their condolences to the fallen officer’s family.
“Newark’s strength has always lain in collaboration, partnership and collective healing. Today is no different,” the statement said. “We will continue working with our partners in law enforcement, community organizations, and residents, to foster solutions that prevent violence before it begins.”
