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.
MT. JULIET, Tenn. — Authorities have identified two victims killed during an active shooter incident at Cedar Creek Marina in Mt. Juliet late Friday night.
The suspect, identified as Gary Haley, a convicted felon with an extensive criminal history, is deceased following an officer-involved shooting, officials confirmed.
Mount Juliet Police officers were dispatched at approximately 9:30 p.m. Friday to the Cedar Creek Marina, located in the 9000 block of Saundersville Road, after receiving reports of a man threatening another individual on the docks.
Due to the active shooter report, a shelter-in-place order was issued for the surrounding area as a precaution.
Upon arrival, officers located an adult male suffering from a gunshot wound.
The victim was later identified as Robby Brogdon, who was transported to a local hospital for emergency medical treatment.
Despite life-saving efforts, Brogdon later succumbed to his injuries.
Investigators determined that the suspected shooter had retreated to a boat within the marina and had barricaded himself inside.
The standoff continued for several hours as officers secured the scene and attempted to resolve the situation safely.
At approximately 1:00 a.m. Saturday, the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) reported that the suspect engaged responding officers and fired shots at them under circumstances that remain under investigation. Officers returned fire.
The suspect, Gary Haley, was later found deceased aboard the vessel.
During the course of the response, officers also discovered a second adult male victim, Nathan Jones, who had been shot by the suspect.
Jones was pronounced dead at the scene.
No law enforcement officers were injured during the incident.
The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation has assumed responsibility for the investigation, which includes a homicide, an attempted homicide, and an officer-involved shooting.
TBI agents are actively conducting interviews, collecting evidence, and working to establish a comprehensive timeline of events.
Upon completion of the investigation, findings will be submitted to 15th Judicial District Attorney General Jason Lawson for review.
Authorities stated that additional information will be released as it becomes available.