April 2025. Blues Vol 41 No.4

AROUND THE

AROUND THE COUNTRYNEWARK, NJ.Sergeant Joseph Azcona was shot and killed while investigatingan illegal weapons possession in Newark, NJ.NEWARK, N.J. – A 14-year-oldhas been charged with murderand attempted murder after apolice officer in New Jersey waskilled in a shootout last monthand another was critically injured.It happened just after 6:30 p.m.local time in Newark near a Mc-Donald's and a White Castle.Based on criminal intelligence,officials with the Essex CountyProsecutor's Office believe thatthe officers were investigatingthe possibility that a group ofindividuals had illegal firearms.Officials say shots were exchangedupon the interactionwith police and two officers anda suspect were hit by gunfire.Sgt. Joseph Azcona, a five-yearveteran of the Newark PoliceDepartment, was shot before hehad a chance to get out of hisvehicle, officials said.The 26-year-old was later pronounceddead at the hospital.Azcona was promoted to Sergeantposthumously and assignedto the intelligence unit.His parents and five brotherswere at the hospital when hewas pronounced dead. He wasnot married.The second officer hit wastaken to the hospital in criticalconditions, but as of Saturdaymorning, his injuries were notbelieved to be life-threatening.The 14-year-old suspectedshooter was also taken to thehospital with non-life-threateninginjuries. He was in possessionof an automatic weapon, believedto be the murder weapon,officials say.Officials with the Essex CountyProsecutor's Office said the teenis charged with numerous crimesincluding murder, attemptedmurder and possession of illegalweapons."The thing to remember, primarily,is the officers involvedare heroes, everyday heroes thatwork the streets of the city ofNewark and cities and municipalitieslike it throughout thisSERGEANT JOSEPH AZCONAcounty, state and within thisnation, so they continue to be individualsworthy of being in yourprayers and we have to supportthem to the extent that we can,"Essex County Prosecutor TheodoreStephens II said.Baraka said he and the communityare praying for the recoveryof the other officer andthey are standing by the officersin the city of Newark who are inmourning and grieving.CLICK HERE FOR YOURFREE SUBSCRIPTION38 The BLUES - APRIL ‘25

The BLUES - APRIL ‘25 39