Sergeant Joseph Anthony Azcona - Newark Police Department - New Jersey
On March 7, 2025, at 1837 hours, Sergeant Joseph Azcona (Newark Police Department) and another officer arrived at the intersection of Carteret Street and Broadway in Newark to question a subject about a possible weapons possession.
The subject began firing at the officer immediately and both officers were struck while still in their vehicle. There were at least 18 shots reported near the White Castle at this intersection. Other officers began arriving and when they did, they found Azcona and the other officer wounded.
Both officers were transported to University Hospital where Sergeant Azcona succumbed to his wounds at 2:30 a.m. The other officer was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Five juveniles were taken into custody. A 14-year-old, who was injured, was charged with weapons possession and murder. The 14-year-old had been flashing the weapon, which was a ghost gun, on Instagram live near the White Castle. He had been trying to intimidate a rival. The gun was also equipped with a switch to enable it to be full auto. The teen was already on police radar because of multiple arrests including robbery and other serious crimes. The Newark Police were working with the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms) and were already monitoring his activity on social media. When officers observed the social media posting, they responded to the area.
Five juveniles were taken into custody. A 14-year-old, who was injured, was charged with weapons possession and murder. The 14-year-old had been flashing the weapon, which was a ghost gun, on Instagram live near the White Castle. He had been trying to intimidate a rival. The gun was also equipped with a switch to enable it to be full auto. The teen was already on police radar because of multiple arrests including robbery and other serious crimes. The Newark Police were working with the ATF (Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms) and were already monitoring his activity on social media. When officers observed the social media posting, they responded to the area.
Unfortunately, violent crime runs in the juvenile's family. HIs mother is a known drug dealer and is a member of the Bloods gangs. The mother's twin sister is also involved with the "business".
Sergeant Azcona had served with the Newark Police Division for five years, the last two as a detective. He is survived by his mother, father, and five siblings.
Sergeant Azcona was posthumously promoted to Sergeant.
As part of our "Plaques for Heroes" campaign, an engraved slate memorial plaque was sent to the Newark Police Department and to Azcona's family at no cost to honor his service and his sacrifice to the community of Newark, New Jersey.
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