A suspect in the fatal shooting of an off-duty Jacksonville Sheriff's Office corrections officer has been apprehended in North Carolina, according to authorities. Brad McNew, who served with JSO for 24 years, was allegedly killed at a truck stop on Duval Road following his shift. The incident reportedly began when the suspect, 29-year-old Demaurea Grant, was observed pushing a woman against a black Mustang and onto the ground. McNew approached the pair to inquire about the woman's well-being, leading to Grant brandishing a firearm at him, as per details released by the First Coast News.
Grant, a North Carolina native, was taken into custody in Gastonia around 7:30 a.m., without incident, and is currently being held without bond until arrangements are made for his return to Florida. Sheriff T.K. Waters highlighted the extensive resources that went into Grant's arrest. The woman associated with Grant at the time of the incident was also arrested on unrelated charges, however, her involvement remains part of the ongoing investigation, as stated by WBTV.
Following the confrontation that led to McNew's death, the corrections officer was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. Further details on the fatal encounter reveal that after McNew questioned the woman's safety, Grant reportedly pointed a gun at him and fired the shot that resulted in his death. The tragic outcome was reported by WSOCTV.
Jacksonville Sheriff's Office detectives are now conducting interviews, including with the woman involved in the initial altercation at the truck stop, as part of the ongoing investigation into what sparked the violence that ended with McNew's loss. As updates surface, the story continues to unfold with the community and law enforcement seeking answers about the incident that took a veteran officer from his duty and his family, as per the updates shared by WBTV.
Demaurea Leon Grant, 29, is behind bars in Gaston County, North Carolina, for the senseless murder of JSO Corrections Officer Bradley McNew.
— Jax Sheriff's Office (@JSOPIO) October 14, 2024
He is being held without bond as he awaits extradition to Florida.
Our detectives are in NC gathering evidence and conducting interviews.… pic.twitter.com/6lnyxFioyZ
