A 14-year-old boy has been charged with the murder of Detective Joseph Azcona, a 26-year-old Newark police officer, following a chaotic shooting spree that left another officer wounded and sent colleagues fleeing for their lives.

Detective Azcona was killed before he even had the chance to exit his vehicle, during an illegal firearms sting operation in Newark, New Jersey, on Friday evening, March 7, according to prosecutors.

Authorities say more than a dozen shots were fired in a volley near a White Castle and McDonald’s on Carteret Street and Broadway, shortly after 6:30pm, turning the area into a scene of panic.

Officer Killed in Line of Duty

Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens confirmed Azcona, a five-year veteran of the force, was fatally shot while still in his police car. He was rushed to University Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries at 2:30am, surrounded by his mother, father, and brother.

A second officer was also shot in the incident but is expected to recover, officials said.

“Detective Azcona was a true hero,” said Newark’s Director of Public Safety, Emanuel Miranda. “He was part of the best of the best—an elite intelligence unit.”

Teen Gunman Charged

Police have confirmed that a 14-year-old boy was among five individuals arrested at the scene. The teenager has been charged with:

• Murder
• Attempted murder
• Possession of illegal weapons

The boy, who was also shot and injured during the exchange, is being treated for non-life-threatening injuries. His identity has not yet been made public due to his age.

Shock and Outrage from City Leaders

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, speaking at a press conference on Saturday, expressed deep frustration and sorrow over the tragedy, condemning what he called a “heinous, callous disregard for humanity.”

“We just have to do a better job,” Baraka said. “Our families have to do a better job. The community has to do a better job at making sure our children are not handling guns in the street, shooting at police officers. This is not just a police problem. This is our collective problem.”

Witnesses described scenes of chaos as the gunfire erupted. Randy Mejia, who was nearby, told reporters:

“It sounded like a car accident, then ‘boom, boom, boom.’ It was terrifying.”

Investigation Ongoing

Authorities say one firearm has been recovered from the scene and is now being examined along with the officers’ weapons to determine how many rounds were fired and by whom.

The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office is continuing to investigate the shooting in collaboration with the Newark Police Department and federal agencies.

Mourning a Fallen Officer

Azcona had been promoted to detective two years ago and was considered a rising star in his unit. Tributes have poured in from across the law enforcement community, hailing his bravery and dedication to duty.

“We lost one of our finest,” Miranda added. “And the city is grieving.”