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.
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, Calif. — Authorities have identified the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputy who was fatally shot Monday afternoon while responding to a domestic violence call in Rancho Cucamonga as Deputy Andrew Nuñez, a six-year veteran of the department.
Deputy Nuñez was tragically killed after being struck in the head by gunfire during a confrontation with an armed suspect that led to a high-speed pursuit and crash along the 210 Freeway.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the incident began at approximately 12:37 p.m., when deputies were dispatched to a residence in the 12300 block of Hollyhock Drive in Rancho Cucamonga following reports of a Hispanic male armed with a firearm and threatening a female victim.
When deputies arrived on the scene around 12:42 p.m., the suspect opened fire without warning, striking Deputy Nuñez.
Additional units immediately rendered aid and requested emergency medical assistance.
Deputy Nuñez was airlifted to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
Following the shooting, the suspect fled the area on a motorcycle, prompting a large-scale pursuit involving multiple law enforcement agencies.
The chase traveled eastbound along the 210 Freeway, reaching high speeds through several communities.
At approximately 1:35 p.m., the pursuit ended when the suspect crashed near Campus Avenue in the city of Upland.
He was taken into custody at the scene and transported to a nearby hospital with injuries sustained in the crash.
Outside Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, dozens of deputies, officers, and family members gathered in somber unity as news spread of Deputy Nuñez’s passing.
Sheriff Shannon Dicus was among those present, describing the event as a heartbreaking and devastating loss for the department and the community.
“Deputy Nuñez was a dedicated public servant who risked his life to protect others,” Sheriff Dicus said. “He exemplified courage, professionalism, and compassion — and his loss will be deeply felt throughout our law enforcement family.”
Deputy Andrew Nuñez had served honorably with the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department for six years, earning the respect of colleagues and community members alike.
He is remembered as a devoted deputy, colleague, and friend who consistently demonstrated commitment to his duty and the residents he served.
The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Homicide Detail, with assistance from the California Highway Patrol and FBI, is leading the investigation into the shooting and pursuit.
Authorities have not yet released the name of the suspect pending formal charges.
The department announced that further updates, including funeral arrangements and memorial details, will be shared at a later time.
“Please keep Deputy Nuñez’s family, loved ones, and fellow deputies in your thoughts and prayers during this time of profound loss,” the sheriff’s office said in a statement.