Crime
Newark Police Officer Killed in Line of Duty Identified as 25-Year-Old Joseph Azcona
Authorities are conducting an active investigation into a fatal shooting that claimed the life of a Newark police officer and left another wounded on Friday evening in the city’s North Ward.
The Essex County Prosecutor’s Office has scheduled a press conference at 10 a.m. to provide further details on the tragic incident, which has deeply impacted the local law enforcement community.
Preliminary reports indicate that shortly before 6:30 p.m., a ShotSpotter device detected approximately 18 gunshots near the intersection of Carteret Street and Broadway, prompting an immediate police response.
Upon arrival near a White Castle restaurant, officers discovered two fellow officers wounded.
One officer sustained severe injuries and was rushed to University Hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
Sources have identified him as Officer Joseph Azcona.
The second officer suffered non-life-threatening wounds and remains in stable condition.
During the violent encounter, at least two suspects were taken into custody.
One of the suspects reportedly sustained serious injuries, though authorities have not yet disclosed his condition or role in the shooting.
New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy arrived at University Hospital late Friday night and expressed his condolences while stating on social media that he is closely monitoring the situation in coordination with the New Jersey Attorney General’s Office.
The investigation remains active and ongoing, with law enforcement officials continuing to gather evidence and interview witnesses.
Additional updates will be provided following today’s press conference 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.