A 14-year-old has been charged in connection with the fatal shooting of Newark police detective Joseph Azcona, 26, and the wounding of another officer during an investigation into illegal firearms, CBS reports.

“Five-year veteran Joseph Azcona was shot before he even had the opportunity to leave his police car,” Essex County Prosecutor Theodore Stephens said during a Saturday press conference, according to the New York Post.

Early this morning, I am sad to report we lost Detective Joseph Azcona of the Newark Police Department — who passed away in the hospital after being shot in his vehicle on Friday night.

The FBI sends our deepest condolences to Detective Azcona’s family, friends, and colleagues —… pic.twitter.com/Ub3vzZa2ca

— FBI Director Kash Patel (@FBIDirectorKash) March 8, 2025

The shooting took place around 6:30 p.m. near Carteret Street and Broadway, where Azcona and other officers were investigating whether a group—including the teenage suspect—was in possession of illegal firearms.

“Shots were exchanged upon the interaction with the police and those individuals, and unfortunately two officers and one suspect were hit by gunfire,” Stephens stated.

According to PIX11, sources said the teenager fired a total of 29 shots at officers. Law enforcement recovered an automatic weapon allegedly used in the shooting.

The second officer sustained non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities have not released the suspect’s name or further details.

Azcona, who had served as a detective for two years, was unmarried and had no children. He died at University Hospital with his parents and siblings by his side.

RIP. New Jersey Detective Joseph Azcona, 26, and another officer responded to a call to investigate a subject for possible weapons possession. The subject opened fire on the officers, hitting both while they were still in their vehicle. At least 18 shots were reported. Upon… pic.twitter.com/5v7rx9ckU3

— Protecting the Blue (@protectingblue) March 8, 2025

“We need to focus laser sharp on trying to find the reason why this 14-year-old was in the situation that he was—had a gun, felt he could use it against police,” Stephens said. “That’s a crazy situation. That’s one that cannot go unchecked.”