Crime
Newark Police Officer Killed in the Line of Duty, Second Officer Injured in North Ward Shooting
A 14-year-old suspect was also killed in the incident, sources said.
It is with profound sorrow that the Newark Police Department announces the line-of-duty death of one of its officers, whose name is being withheld at this time out of respect for the family.
Newark Police Officer Killed in Line of Duty Identified as 25-Year-Old Joseph Azcona
The tragic incident occurred on Friday evening when two officers responded to a ShotSpotter activation in Newark’s North Ward.
The officers were met with gunfire, leaving one fatally wounded and the other with non-life-threatening injuries.
A 14-year-old suspect was also killed in the incident, sources said.
The suspect fired around 29 shots, sources said.
According to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the shooting remains under active investigation, as officials work to determine the precise circumstances of the attack.
Preliminary reports indicate that at approximately 6:20 p.m., officers responded to a ShotSpotter alert detecting 18 rounds fired in the area of Broadway and Carteret.
Upon arrival, the officers were ambushed by gunfire, prompting an urgent call for backup from law enforcement units across the city.
One officer sustained a gunshot wound to the head and, despite the efforts of emergency medical personnel, succumbed to his injuries at University Hospital.
The second officer was wounded but is in stable condition.
Following the shooting, detectives secured the crime scene, blocking off the intersection of Broadway and Carteret as authorities processed evidence and gathered witness statements.
Officials have confirmed that one suspect is in custody and is believed to be the shooter. However, investigators have not yet disclosed a potential motive or whether additional suspects were involved.
The Newark Police Department, city officials, and the community mourn the loss of a dedicated officer who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to the city.
Further details, including the officer’s identity and arrangements for memorial services, will be released in coordination with the officer’s family.
Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding this tragic event. The public is urged to contact law enforcement with any information that may assist in the case.
This remains a developing story, and updates will be provided as more details emerge.
City of Hammond, Louisiana — At approximately 11:50 p.m. on February 24, 2026, officers with the Hammond Police Department responded to a report of shots fired involving one possible victim.
Upon arrival, officers located a 14-year-old juvenile female, identified as Tyronai Reed, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.
Emergency medical assistance was rendered at the scene, and she was transported to North Oaks Health System for treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Reed later succumbed to her injuries.
Detectives assigned to the department’s Criminal Investigations Division launched an immediate homicide investigation.
During the course of their investigation, authorities identified 18-year-old Demontez Treyvon “Trey” Robinson of Hammond as a suspect in the shooting.
While actively working the case, officers observed a vehicle traveling at a high rate of speed and conducted a traffic stop.
Robinson was identified as the driver of the vehicle and was taken into custody without incident.
Robinson was transported to the Criminal Investigations Division for questioning. According to investigators, Robinson admitted that the firearm discharged while he was handling or “playing with” it, resulting in the single round striking the 14-year-old victim.
Robinson was subsequently booked into the Hammond City Jail on one count of Negligent Homicide.
Authorities emphasize that the investigation remains in its early stages and additional details may be released as they become available.
Anyone with information related to this incident is encouraged to contact Detective Corey Morse with the Hammond Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 985-277-5758 or via email at morse_cm@hammond.org. Tips may also be submitted through the department’s official Facebook page or anonymously through Crime Stoppers of Tangipahoa at 1-800-554-5245.
Individuals providing information may be eligible for a cash reward. Authorities urge members of the community to assist in the ongoing investigation.