Newark officer shot: Lots of attend vigil for 26-year-old Officer Joseph Azcona
NEWARK, New Jersey (WABC) — It was an emotional present of assist as a group honored the sacrifice of a fallen hero in New Jersey.
26-year-old Newark Police Officer Joseph Azcona was shot and killed final Friday whereas on obligation.
Town turned out to honor the fallen hero.
Detective Azcona’s sister hugged his badge in tears, which was painted subsequent to his division photograph on the hood of the patrol automobile that rushed him to the hospital.
Lots of of individuals stuffed the road in entrance of the Christ Meeting Lutheran Church in Newark the place the officer was gunned down allegedly by a 14-year-old with an computerized weapon.
They need they might wash away the ache, however this can be a damage that does not get forgotten.
“This week is gonna be powerful. Subsequent week is gonna be powerful. The week after that. The subsequent week, the following month, the following 12 months. We bought a category entering into subsequent week, they’re gonna know his title, Joey goes down in historical past everyone from Newark, Essex County, Union County, Hudson County, New Jersey, each state on this nation goes to recollect his title,” mentioned officer Shaquilla Brown.
Azcona was investigating unlawful firearms when he pulled as much as the church.
He did not get an opportunity to step out of his automobile earlier than gunfire erupted.
A second officer was shot and continues to be recovering within the hospital.
It has been greater than 20 years since a Newark police officer was killed within the line of obligation.
“That day we did see the worst of human sort. And when our brother was taken away from us too quickly, he was an actual cop, a real cop, whoever met him, whoever knew him, knew that he had a coronary heart of gold,” mentioned Newark Public Security Director Emanuel Miranda.
“Arduous employee. He has members of the family on the job. They’re all minimize from the identical material. These guys come to work on a regular basis and put their lives on the road for the residents of town of Newark. We’re blessed to have had him right here working with us,” mentioned Sgt. Heriberto Figueroa.
The 26-year-old was later pronounced useless on the hospital.
Azcona was promoted to detective two years in the past and assigned to the intelligence unit.
Officers with the Essex County Prosecutor’s Workplace mentioned the 14-year-old was charged with quite a few crimes together with homicide, tried homicide and possession of unlawful weapons.
“The assailant was so younger himself. What’s he doing with a gun? How did he get a gun? And the place’s the household assist for that youngster?” mentioned Captain Gerardo Rodriguez.
The teenage suspect could have a closed listening to.
Within the state of New Jersey, a 14-year-old can’t be tried as an grownup underneath any circumstance.
Detective Azcona shall be laid to relaxation on Friday.
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