Teen charged with murder in Newark police officer shooting

A 14-year-old accused of fatally shooting a police officer during an illegal firearms investigation has been charged with murder.

A 14-year-old accused of fatally shooting a police officer before he could get out of his patrol car during an illegal firearms investigation in New Jersey, was charged with murder and attempted murder, officials said Saturday.

Detective Joseph Azcona, 26, died at a hospital and a second officer shot is recovering from his injuries following the shootout in Newark, the New York Post reports.

Detective Joseph Azcona, 26, died in the hospital after being shot on March 7. Picture: Newark Police via North Bergn PD

“Five-year veteran Joseph Azcona was shot before he even had the opportunity to leave his police car,” Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens said at a news conference on Saturday morning local time.

Shots rang out around 6.30pm near a White Castle and McDonald’s where the teen was hanging out with friends – as Azcona and other officers investigated whether they were in possession of illegal firearms, officials said.

“Shots were exchanged upon the interaction with the police and those individuals, and unfortunately two officers and one suspect were hit by gunfire,” Stephens said.

The teen allegedly fired a total of 29 shots at officers, sources told PIX11.

Azcona and another police officer were shot, allegedly by a 14-year-old. Picture: Christopher Sadowski

Police recovered the automatic weapon that the teen allegedly fired at police, Stephens said. Five other individuals were being questioned.

It wasn’t clear where the second officer was when he was shot. His injuries were non-life-threatening, Stephens said.

Officials have not named the teen suspect or provided details about him.

Azcona, who has been a detective for two years, was not married and didn’t have children.

He died at University Hospital around 2.34am with his mother and father and several brothers around him.

“The officers involved are heroes,” Stephens said.

“We need to focus laser sharp on trying to find the reason why this 14-year-old was in the situation that he was — had a gun, felt he could use it against police.

“That’s a crazy situation. That’s one that cannot go unchecked.”

This article originally appeared on the New York Post and was reproduced with permission.

Originally published as Teen charged with murder in Newark police officer shooting