14-Year-Old Charged with Murder After Newark Officer Killed in Shootout

Newark Shootout and Officer's Death

• 💔 Detective Joseph Asana, a 5-year veteran of the Newark Police Department, was killed in a shootout Friday night.
• 🎯 He was shot before he had a chance to exit his patrol car while investigating illegal firearms.
• 🏥 The 26-year-old officer was pronounced dead at University Hospital, where his family received the devastating news.

Surviving Officer and Investigation

• 🚑 Another officer was critically injured in the same incident and is receiving treatment at University Hospital.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 His wife, mother, and daughter rushed to the hospital upon hearing the news.
• 🚓 The shooting occurred around 6:30 PM near Carteret Street during a targeted investigation involving federal agencies.

Suspect and Community Response

• 👶 A 14-year-old boy has been charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of an illegal automatic weapon.
• 💥 The teenager was also injured during the gunfight and is recovering from non-life-threatening injuries.
• 🗣️ Governor Murphy emphasized the need for the community to prevent children from handling guns and shooting at police officers.
• 🏫 The shootout resulted in shattered windows at a local school, with children seen running from the gunfire.
• 🤝 Five individuals were taken into custody as part of the investigation, with no one else at large.