Young teen charged in shootings of two NJ cops, one fatally | Law Enforcement Today | lawenforcementtoday.com

NEWARK, NJ - A 14-year-old boy has been charged in the fatal shooting of a Newark police officer, and is also accused of shooting and critically wounding another officer.

Due to his age, the suspect remains unnamed. He engaged in a shootout with officers from the Newark Police Department (NPD). Both officers were transported to the hospital after being shot. Officer Joseph Azcona, 26 years old and a five-year-veteran of NPD, died from his injuries, surrounded by his family and five brothers.

Another officer, whose name has not yet been released, remains in critical condition but is expected to survive his injuries.

The incident occurred just after 6:30 p.m. on Saturday near Broadway and Carteret Street. Officers responded to a call regarding ShotSpotter detecting about 18 gunshots. According to authorities, the officer "didn't even get a chance to step out of the vehicle before he was shot." It's unclear at this time whether officers fired back at the suspect. Other officers arrived and found the two wounded officers.

The suspect reportedly remains in custody and has been charged with murder and attempted murder and suffered non-life threatening injuries, although it's unclear how he got those injuries. A motive has not yet been determined.

There was also at least one other person arrested in connection to this incident, but their identities, ages, and roles have not been released. This person is reportedly seriously wounded as well.

In a Facebook post, the New Jersey State PBA said, "We here at the NJ State PBA are heartbroken to share that an officer from Newark PD has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and another officer is currently fighting for their life in critical condition. Please keep their families, fellow Newark PD officers, and our entire New Jersey law enforcement community in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time."