Interim New Jersey U.S. Attorney Alina Habba has announced that a 14-year-old gang member accused of fatally shooting a Newark police detective will be charged as an adult in federal court as she vows to crack down on violent crime in the Garden State. The teen suspect, who is a member of the violent Bloods gang, is accused of shooting and killing Detective Joseph Azcona in Newark last month while he was inside his police vehicle. Another officer was also injured in the shooting. Habba stated that offenders under age 15 cannot be tried as adults in New Jersey, but her office has filed papers to take the case to federal court where the teen will be eligible.
Habba, who was sworn in to her new role as U.S. Attorney on Friday, issued a firm warning to violent underage offenders, stating that if a child shoots a police officer, they will be tried as an adult. She emphasized her zero tolerance for violence and pledged to clean up New Jersey. She highlighted the importance of holding individuals accountable, regardless of their age, especially if they are part of a gang and have committed such a serious crime as shooting a police officer. The teen suspect was initially charged with murder, attempted murder, and possession of illegal weapons.
The slain officer, Detective Joseph Azcona, was part of a team of Newark police detectives and federal agents who had gone to capture a suspect in an illegal weapons sting when he was fired upon in his vehicle. Another officer was injured in the shooting but is expected to recover. Newark Mayor Ras Baraka condemned the shooting as a “heinous, callous disregard for humanity” and emphasized the risks that officers face in carrying out their duties. During a multi-agency law enforcement raid on wanted criminals in Brick City, an 18-year-old alleged Bloods gang member with a history of weapons charges was arrested for aggravated assault after allegedly shooting two people.
Amidst her crackdown on violent crime, Habba also outlined her zero tolerance for human trafficking in New Jersey. She stated that one of her first orders of business was creating a Human Trafficking Task Force and appointing a dedicated Assistant U.S. Attorney to lead it. Habba expressed her commitment to ensuring safety in New Jersey, especially with the upcoming World Cup scheduled to be hosted in the state in 2026. She reassured that law enforcement will be ready to address any issues related to human trafficking and criminal activities during the event.
Overall, Alina Habba, the Interim U.S. Attorney for New Jersey, is taking a tough stance on violent crime, particularly when it involves underage offenders and gang members. By charging a 14-year-old gang member in federal court as an adult for the fatal shooting of a police detective, Habba is sending a clear message that such actions will not be tolerated in the state. Her commitment to cracking down on violent crime, including human trafficking, and ensuring safety during major events demonstrates her dedication to upholding the law and protecting the residents of New Jersey.
