Boy, 14, charged after 2 cops shot, 1 killed, in Newark, NJ
NEW YORK - One police officer was killed and another was critically injured in a Newark, New Jersey, shootout involving a 14-year-old, authorities said.
What we know:
The two Newark police officers were shot around 6:37 p.m. in the area of Broadway and Carteret. They "didn't even get a chance to step out of the vehicle before he was shot," officials said. A 14-year-old boy and four others are now in custody.
Both cops were taken to University Hospital, where 26-year-old Officer Joseph Azcona, a five-year-veteran of the force, was pronounced dead. Azcona's family and five brothers were by his side when he died Saturday morning, and he was posthumously promoted to detective.
North Bergen Police released a statement on Instagram offering their condolences to Officer Azcona.
The other officer is in critical condition, and his name has not yet been released.
Police are now trying to determine why a 14-year-old boy had a gun and thought he could use it against the police. He was charged with murder and attempted murder and suffered non-life threatening injuries.
What we don't know:
Authorities could not confirm whether police discharged their firearms. All guns involved in the incident have been confiscated.
The circumstances around the shooting are also unclear.
The shooter's name will not be released, as he is a minor. Police also have not released the names of the other individuals charged.
What they're saying:
"We here at the NJ State PBA are heartbroken to share that an officer from Newark PD has made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and another officer is currently fighting for their life in critical condition," the New Jersey State PBA said in a post on Facebook. "Please keep their families, fellow Newark PD officers, and our entire New Jersey law enforcement community in your thoughts and prayers during this incredibly difficult time."
North Bergen Police released a statement on Instagram offering their condolences, stating, "We extend our heartfelt condolences to the Newark Police Department and the family of Officer Joseph Azcona, who made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty. Another officer remains in critical condition. Our sincerest sympathies go to his family, friends, and loved ones. May he rest in peace."
This is a breaking news update. Stay with FOX 5 NY as this story develops.