A 14-year-old suspect was taken into custody on murder charges following a shootout with Newark, New Jersey, police officers that left one officer dead and another hospitalized. The officers were investigating a report of illegal firearms when gunfire broke out in the city’s North Ward. Officer Joseph Azcona, a five-year veteran of the force, was killed while still in his patrol car. The second officer was wounded but is currently being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. The teenage suspect was also injured and taken to the hospital. Four other individuals were placed into custody and are being questioned by authorities.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy and Newark Mayor Ras Baraka both spoke out on the incident, with Baraka calling it a “heinous, callous disregard for humanity.” Baraka expressed frustration that a 14-year-old had access to a firearm and shot at police officers. He urged for better efforts from families, the community, and society as a whole to prevent such incidents in the future.
The state attorney general’s office is monitoring the situation, and officials gave few details about what led to the confrontation with the suspect. This incident highlights the need for increased efforts to prevent gun violence among young individuals and the importance of supporting law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line to keep communities safe.
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