New Jersey police officer killed, second officer wounded in shooting by 14-year-old, authorities say

A tragic incident unfolded in Newark, New Jersey, on Friday evening when a 14-year-old boy shot and killed police officer Joseph Azcona, 26, while wounding another officer. Authorities reported that the officers, who were part of a team investigating illegal weapons activity, came under fire as they approached a suspect. Newark's Director of Public Safety, Emanuel Miranda, stated that Azcona never had the chance to exit his vehicle before he was shot.

In the chaotic moments that followed the gunfire, witnesses described seeing officers rushing down the street, followed by the sound of numerous gunshots. The shooting occurred around 6:37 p.m. in a commercial area between popular restaurants. The wounded officer was taken to a local hospital with injuries that were not life-threatening, while Azcona succumbed to his wounds early Saturday morning.

Five individuals, including the juvenile shooter, were taken into custody, with the minor facing serious charges such as murder and possession of illegal weapons. The juvenile was also shot during the incident but sustained non-life-threatening injuries. The details surrounding the motive and how the officers encountered the group that fired upon them remain under investigation.

Officer Azcona was remembered as a dedicated member of the Newark police force who had served for five years and was promoted to detective two years prior. Newark's Mayor, Ras Baraka, expressed outrage over the incident, emphasizing the need for societal change to prevent such tragedies. He lamented the failure to keep firearms away from young people, asserting that this is a collective community issue rather than solely a police problem.

As the investigation continues, the city mourns the loss of a valuable officer while grappling with the implications of youth violence and gun control. The community must come together to address these critical issues to prevent future tragedies.