Middletown Police Attend Funeral Of Slain Newark Police Officer

NEWARK, NJ — On Friday, this delegation from Middletown Police attended the funeral of slain Newark Police Officer Joseph Azcona.

Azcona, 25, was killed by a 14-year-old suspect March 7. The shootout took place around 6:30 p.m. at Broadway and Carteret Street in Newark, and the encounter began when officers went to investigate several people believed to have illegal firearms.

Police were met with gunfire when they arrived. A total of two officers were shot: Azcona was shot before he stepped out of his squad car, according to reports. Another officer was also hit by gunfire, authorities said. He remains in critical condition and was initially described as “fighting for their life.”

Both officers were taken to University Hospital in Newark after the shooting. Azcona died around 2:30 a.m. March 8.

The 14-year-old boy accused of shooting the two officers was also wounded and hospitalized with injuries said to be not life threatening.

It has been more than 20 years since a Newark police officer was killed in the line of duty.

Azcona had been a Newark police officer for the past five years and was just recently promoted to detective in the last two years. He is survived by his parents and five brothers.

He was buried Friday at the Catholic Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart in Newark.

"Friday, March 14, 2025, was a heartbreaking day for the law enforcement community as they laid to rest officer from Newark PD," said Middletown Police in a post on their Facebook page. "No department or family should have to endure this pain because of a senseless tragedy. Azcona and his fellow officers were protecting and serving their community as all officers are sworn to do. We send continued prayers for the officer that was with him, who remains in the hospital in critical condition. MTPD officers joined their fellow brothers and sisters in support and solidarity of the Azcona family and Newark Police Department. Rest in peace Joseph."