Police officer killed, another injured in shooting involving 14-year-old suspect: authorities

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Prosecutor's office gives Newark shooting update

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office in New Jersey on Saturday provided an update on the shooting of two Newark Police detectives on Friday night. (Credit: WNYW)

Detective Joseph Azcona was shot and killed, and another detective was injured in a shooting on Friday night in Newark, New Jersey, Essex County Prosecutor Theordore Stephens announced on Saturday. 

The prosecutor also confirmed that a 14-year-old suspect was shot and is expected to recover from his injuries.

The teen suspect, who has not yet been publicly identified, is charged with murder, attempted murder and possession of illegal weapons, Stephens told reporters on Saturday morning.

The Essex County Prosecutor's Office on Saturday provided an update on the shooting of two Newark Police detectives on Friday night.

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The shooting happened at about 6:37 p.m. Friday near the intersection of Carteret Street and Broadway. 

According to Stephens, Azcona did not have the chance to exit his police vehicle before he was shot.

Both detectives and the teen suspect were taken to University Hospital, where Azcona was pronounced dead, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.

Newark Police Detective Joseph Azcona was shot and killed in the line of duty on Friday in New Jersey. (WNYW/Newark Police Department)

On Saturday, University Hospital would not give updates regarding the injured police detective's condition, citing patient privacy concerns in an email to Fox News.

Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin in a statement on Saturday confirmed the wounded male detective is "recovering from significant injuries," but did not clarify what injuries he sustained.

He said authorities worked through the night to find those involved in the shooting.

"Prosecutor Stephens, Public Safety Director Miranda, and the men and women of the Newark Police Department worked tirelessly through the night to locate those involved in this horrific exchange of gunfire that ended so tragically," Platkin wrote in a statement posted to X. "Rest assured, those involved will be brought to justice. 

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He added his prayers are with Detective Azcona, his family, and the entire Newark community. 

"I want the brave men and women of the Newark Police Department to know I stand with them in this very difficult time," Platkin wrote.

The New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association and the prosecutor's office both noted Friday night the detective was in "critical condition."

Police are investigating after two officers were shot Friday night in Newark, N.J. (WNYW)

The New York Police Department put out a statement mourning the death of detective Azcona. 

New Jersey Gov. Phil Murphy wrote in a post on X he was updated on the incident.

"This is a rapidly developing situation," he wrote. "Please pray for these officers, their families, and all our men and women in uniform who put their lives on the line to keep us safe."

His team confirmed Murphy and his wife, Tammy, made a private visit to University Hospital after the shooting.

Two officers were shot near Carteret Street and Broadway on Friday night.

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Within the span of a few hours, there were four police officers shot across the country, according to Fraternal Order of Police National Vice President Joe Gamaldi.

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"In just the last three hours, there have been 4 police officers shot, one is dead," Gamaldi wrote in a post on X. "2 officers from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg (NC) PD, both are expected to recover. 2 officers from Newark (NJ), tragically one officer has made the ultimate sacrifice…RIP Please keep all involved in your thoughts and prayers."

He added the incidents were "beyond heartbreaking."