By: Richard L. Smith
A violent shooting in Newark on Friday evening has resulted in the death of a Newark Police Officer, Joseph Azcona, and left another critically injured.
A 14-year-old suspect has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and multiple weapons offenses, authorities confirmed.
According to a press conference early Saturday morning by the Essex County Prosecutor’s Office, the violent encounter took place around 6:30 p.m. near the intersection of Broadway and Carteret Street, close to a McDonald's and White Castle restaurant.
Officials stated that the officers had been conducting an investigation based on criminal intelligence suggesting that a group of individuals in the area might have been in possession of illegal firearms.
When law enforcement engaged with the group, an exchange of gunfire erupted, striking two officers and the teenage suspect.
Tragically, Officer Joseph Azcona , a five-year veteran of the force, was fatally shot before he even had the chance to exit his patrol vehicle. He was rushed to the hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.
The second officer suffered critical injuries and was transported to a hospital for treatment. As of Saturday morning, his condition had stabilized, and his injuries were not considered life-threatening.
The teenage suspect, who also sustained non-life-threatening gunshot wounds, was taken to a medical facility for treatment. 
Prosecutors confirmed that the 14-year-old is now facing multiple charges, including murder, attempted murder, and illegal weapons possession.
The investigation into the incident remains ongoing as law enforcement officials work to determine the full details of what led to the fatal shooting.