Roll of Honor
Incident
Sergeant Joseph Azcona was shot and killed while investigating illegal weapons possession at the corner of Carteret Street and Broadway in Newark.
At 6:37 p.m. Sergeant Azcona and another officer arrived at the intersection of Carteret Street and Broadway to question a subject about possible weapons possession. The subject began firing on the officers immediately and both officers were struck while still in their vehicle. At least 18 shots were reported near the White Castle at the intersection. When responding officers arrived, they discovered Detective Azcona and the other officer, both wounded.
Both officers were transported to University Hospital where Sergeant Azcona succumbed to his wounds at 2:30 a.m. The other officer was treated for non-life-threatening injuries.
Five juveniles were taken into custody. A 14-year-old, who was injured, was charged with weapons possession and murder.
Sergeant Azcona had served with the Newark Police Division for five years, the last two as a detective.
Survivors
He is survived by his mother, father, and five siblings.
In Our Keeping
- Permanent identifier
BO-US-NJ-5F60C330- Stewardship
- Maintained by NeuraWeb Global Inc.
- Added to badge.nw
- April 2, 2026
- Last updated
- July 23, 2026
Honored here by 1 sentinel - 1 tribute.
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Tributes
I never knew you. I am standing here anyway.
Sergeant Azcona gave the Newark Police Division 5 years.
Thank you for your service to the Newark community. Gone but never to be forgotten.
Rest easy, Sergeant Azcona.
— S. Vincent Anthony, U.S. Army 1985-1993
Agency
Service Record
Incident Details
Sergeant Joseph Anthony Azcona is one of 17,623 officers killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty across the full record of this memorial — 54.2% of all 32,508 officers honored here.
In NJ, 264 of 646 officers were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 40.9% of this state's fallen. That is 13.3 percentage points below the national rate of 54.2%.
At Newark Police Division, 28 of 58 officers on record were killed feloniously — deliberately targeted and murdered in the line of duty — 48.3% of this agency's fallen.
National Cause Distribution
How Felonious compares to all causes of officer death in the memorial record. Joseph Anthony Azcona's cause is highlighted.
How Joseph Anthony Azcona Compares
Offender Outcome
Taken into custody
When Felonious Deaths Occur
Monthly distribution of Felonious deaths across the full memorial record. Joseph Anthony Azcona is highlighted in Mar.
Weapons Used Against Officers
Most common weapons in felonious officer deaths. Joseph Anthony Azcona was killed by not available.
Incident Location
Others Who Wore This Badge
57 officers from Newark Police Division are honored on badge.nw. Showing the 16 most recent.
