Key takeaways:

• A 14-year-old boy has been arrested for the fatal shooting of Newark police officer Joseph Azcona.
• Detective Azcona, a five-year veteran, was killed during a firearms investigation.
• The shooter faces multiple charges, including murder and attempted murder.
• Other officers and a suspect were also injured but are expected to recover.
• Officials highlight the growing issues of youth violence and illegal firearms.

A 14-year-old boy has been apprehended and is facing charges of murder and attempted murder in connection with the tragic shooting of Detective Joseph Azcona of the Newark Police Department. The incident occurred on a bustling street in Newark on Friday evening, where Azcona was killed while engaging in an operation related to illegal firearms, according to The New York Times.

The officer, who served the force for five years and had recently been promoted to detective, was struck while still inside his vehicle. Incident reports indicate that another officer was also wounded but sustained injuries that are not life-threatening. This incident has reignited discussions among community leaders and law enforcement officials about the alarming trend of gun violence among youth.

Mayor Ras Baraka described the events as a "heinous, callous disregard for humanity," emphasizing that "this is not a police problem. This is our collective problem." Echoing the mayor's sentiments, Essex County Sheriff Amir Jones highlighted the profound impact on the community due to the loss of a dedicated officer, stating, “The egregious acts that took place… have left a family, a community and the brotherhood and sisterhood of law enforcement devastated.” These remarks were made during a news conference following the incident, as covered by HuffPost.

The authorities have taken additional suspects into custody as investigations continue. Forensic teams are analyzing the weapons recovered from the scene to determine the sequence of events leading up to the shooting. The urgency of addressing illegal firearms access among minors has never been more apparent as community leaders call for comprehensive solutions to this growing crisis.

The tragic loss of Detective Azcona, *who was known for his dedication to public safety*, reverberates through the Newark community, reminding citizens of the inherent risks faced by law enforcement each day. For further details, visit ABC News.