New details have emerged about the tragic shooting that led to the death of Newark Detective Joseph Azcona. A 14-year-old boy, who allegedly gunned down the detective, caught the attention of local police less than an hour before the deadly incident. The teen’s Instagram post showing off a gun would set the stage for a violent encounter that ended in the loss of life.
Teen’s Actions Before the Shooting
Around 5:50 p.m. on March 7, the 14-year-old left his home to meet friends at a White Castle near Carteret Street and Broadway. While at the restaurant, he posted a live video on Instagram, showing off a ghost gun. The gun, equipped with a conversion device, could fire multiple rounds with just one pull of the trigger. The weapon used in the shooting was the same gun from his post.
Police were already familiar with the teen’s criminal past, which included multiple arrests for robbery and other serious crimes. His social media activity had been under watch by law enforcement. When they saw the video, they took immediate action, but the situation quickly escalated.
Police Respond Quickly but Are Met with Gunfire
Law enforcement sources said officers responded swiftly after seeing the Instagram post. They identified the location and arrived in unmarked police vehicles. As they approached, they spotted the teen walking with a group of other kids. The officers called for backup, getting additional units in place. When they got out of the cars and identified themselves as police, the teen immediately opened fire.
Detective Azcona, 26, was sitting in his patrol car when the gunfire erupted. He never had a chance to exit the vehicle. Tragically, he was struck and killed almost instantly. His partner, who was in the backup unit, was also shot. The officers returned fire while trying to determine what had happened. They didn’t realize Azcona had been fatally wounded at first, but when they found out, they rushed him to the hospital. It was too late, and he was declared dead shortly after.
Aftermath of the Shootout
The 14-year-old shooter was hit in the leg and arm during the exchange of gunfire. He was taken to the hospital and remains there under police guard. He faces serious charges, including first- and second-degree murder. His actions resulted in the death of a dedicated police officer and left another officer severely injured.
Detective Azcona’s partner, who had been shot below his vest, required surgery to remove part of his liver and intestines. Despite the severity of his injuries, he was released from the hospital just days later.
Family Reactions and Blame
The teen’s aunt, Hadiyah Sorey, spoke about the situation and claimed her nephew had acted in self-defense. She said he had been shot at the day before, which is why he had the gun. She also suggested that he thought the officers were the ones who had attacked him. However, law enforcement sources clarified that the officers had clearly identified themselves as police, wearing badges and bulletproof vests.
Sorey expressed her sorrow over the situation, saying her nephew had ruined his life at such a young age. “He’s f–ked his whole life up at 14. He’s a good kid. Now his life’s over,” she said. She also insisted that her nephew wasn’t involved in any gangs, blaming social media for leading him down a dangerous path.
A Loss for Both Families
Detective Azcona’s family is devastated by the loss of their loved one. Known for his dedication to his job, Azcona had been a beloved officer. “He really, really loved this job,” said a law enforcement source. Meanwhile, the teen’s family is left to cope with the consequences of his actions. “Two families are hurting now,” Sorey said.
The boy’s mother, Rabiyah Sorey, declined to comment when approached by The Post, but the grief from both families is undeniable. This tragic event highlights the dangerous intersection of social media and gun violence. It shows how a single post can lead to deadly consequences and change the lives of everyone involved.
Both families will forever be affected by the tragic results of that evening. The teen’s future is uncertain, and the loss of a young life and a dedicated officer is a harsh reminder of how quickly things can spiral into violence.
