Crime
Irvington High School Football Player 16-year-old Ziad Cook Killed in Newark Shooting
Newark, NJ – A tragic shooting in Newark’s West Ward on Thursday evening claimed the life of a 16-year-old student and left another teenager critically injured, according to the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office.
The incident occurred around 6:00 p.m. in the 200 block of Brookdale Avenue, near 227 Brookdale, where responding officers found two teenage males suffering from gunshot wounds.
Both victims were transported to University Hospital for emergency treatment.
One of the victims, later identified as 16-year-old Ziad Cook, was pronounced dead at 9:19 p.m.
The second victim, a 17-year-old male, remains hospitalized in critical condition.
Authorities confirmed that Cook was a student at Irvington High School and a member of the school’s football team.
His death has sent shockwaves through the school community, prompting an outpouring of grief and support.
Grief counselors have been made available to students and staff to help cope with the sudden loss.
Ziad Cook was described by faculty and peers as a focused, respectful, and hardworking student-athlete, dedicated both to his education and to his performance on the field.
His loss is being deeply felt by classmates, teachers, and teammates alike.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Homicide Task Force is leading the investigation.
As of Friday, no arrests have been made, and investigators have not released a possible motive for the shooting.
Authorities are urging anyone with information to come forward and contact the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office tip line or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
The investigation remains active and ongoing.
The Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO) is investigating a series of shootings that occurred Wednesday night in Pahokee, culminating in a deputy-involved shooting.
The Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE), the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division are conducting parallel and joint reviews of the incident.
According to authorities, the violence began on Wednesday, February 25, at approximately 10:12 p.m., when 44-year-old Charles McCloud Jr. allegedly initiated a series of shootings at multiple locations throughout Pahokee over a roughly 40-minute span.
First Shooting – 171 Booker Place (10:12 p.m.)
McCloud allegedly shot two adult males at a residence located at 171 Booker Place.
Both victims were pronounced deceased at the scene.
Second Shooting – 8700 Block of Doveland Drive
Shortly afterward, multiple gunshots were reported in the 8700 block of Doveland Drive.
Although several rounds were fired, authorities confirmed that no individuals were struck during this incident.
Third Shooting – 750 Belle Glade Road
The third shooting occurred at a convenience store located at 750 Belle Glade Road.
An adult male was shot during this incident and transported for medical treatment. Officials report the victim is expected to survive.
While responding to the reported gunfire on Doveland Drive and conducting a preliminary investigation, a PBSO deputy was securing the area with crime scene tape when McCloud allegedly drove a black GMC SUV directly at the deputy.
Authorities state that McCloud struck the deputy with the vehicle, pushing him approximately 40 feet. After exiting the SUV armed with a firearm, McCloud allegedly attempted to shoot the injured deputy.
In response, the deputy discharged his service weapon, striking McCloud. A second PBSO deputy also discharged his firearm during the encounter. McCloud was pronounced deceased at the scene.
The injured deputy sustained serious injuries and is currently receiving treatment at St. Mary’s Medical Center.
According to PBSO, Charles McCloud Jr. had an extensive criminal history, including prior charges for Riot, Resisting an Officer with Violence, Armed Robbery, Aggravated Battery with a Deadly Weapon, Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon, Carrying a Concealed Weapon, Narcotics Equipment/Possession, and Escape or Attempted Escape from a county facility.
In accordance with standard agency policy, the deputy involved in the shooting has been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
The FDLE, the Palm Beach County State Attorney’s Office, and PBSO’s Violent Crimes Division continue to actively investigate all aspects of the shootings, including the deputy-involved use of force.
Additional information will be released as it becomes available.