(5MinNewsBreak.com) – Despite risking their lives to keep communities safe, brave police officers never thought they would end up falling victim to a teenage criminal.
Specifically, a 14-year-old has been charged with murder after ambushing and killing Newark police officer Joseph Azcona, who never even had a chance to exit his vehicle before being shot.
Watch the video down below.
A second officer was also critically wounded in the ambush but is expected to recover from injuries.
The teen suspect and four others are in custody following the deadly attack that has devastated the law enforcement community across New Jersey and highlighted the growing crisis of armed youth violence.
Officer Azcona was a 26-year-old with five years of service to the Newark Police Department. He was killed in a commercial area near Broadway and Carteret Avenue.
The deadly shooting occurred during what officials described as an illegal weapons sting operation.
Newark police detectives and federal agents were responding to reports of teenagers carrying guns in the area.
The tragedy unfolded with shocking speed. “Azcona didn’t even get a chance to step out of his car,” said Newark Public Safety Director Emanuel Miranda.
“We are all mourning and grieving and we will pay him the respect he deserves as a true hero,” he added.
Authorities have confiscated all firearms involved in the incident but have not confirmed whether police had time to discharge their weapons during the attack.
The 14-year-old suspect, whose name is being withheld due to his minor status, suffered non-life-threatening injuries.
“Tonight is one of the darkest days for New Jersey law enforcement in recent memory,” New Jersey State Policemen’s Benevolent Association President Peter Andreyev said in a statement.
“One young officer has died, and another is fighting for his life. We stand ready to help our brothers and sisters,” he continued.
Witness Randy Mejia described the chaotic scene: “It sounded like a car accident, and it went boom, boom boom.”
In the aftermath, police from neighboring communities and New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy arrived at University Hospital to show their support for the wounded officers and their families.
Officer Azcona was posthumously promoted to detective following his death, with his family present at the hospital when he passed.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka stated:
“We just have to do a better job. I have to do a better job. Our families have to do a better job. The community has to do a better job at making sure that our children are not handling guns in the street, shooting at police officers. This is not a police problem. This is our problem. This is our collective problem.”
Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones highlighted the daily sacrifices made by law enforcement officers across the country.
“Law enforcement officers leave their loved ones every day and put their lives on the line for the safety and wellbeing of our communities,” Jones stated.
“The egregious acts that took place last night have left a family, a community and the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement devastated and with a void that can never be filled,” he added.
Police departments across New Jersey have posted tributes and messages of solidarity following the attack.
The New Jersey State PBA expressed their heartbreak, noting that an officer “has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty.”
As the investigation continues, the incident serves as a stark reminder of the increasing dangers police officers face every day.
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