Man arrested in North Carolina, charged with murder of JSO corrections officer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A 29-year-old man was arrested Sunday morning in the murder of JSO Corrections Officer Brad McNew, who was shot and killed early Saturday at a truck stop on Jacksonville’s Northside, Sheriff T.K. Waters announced during a news conference.

RELATED | Nationwide manhunt underway after off-duty JSO corrections officer killed at Northside truck stop

Sheriff T.K. Waters said Demaurea Grant was arrested in Gastonia, North Carolina and is awaiting extradition to Duval County.

“As the leader of this agency, we are grateful for the quick arrest of a man who tragically took the life of a member of the JSO family, but today’s arrest has a broader impact than officer McNew’s family, this agency, or even the law enforcement community of this state and nation. Today’s arrest is about accountability, accountability for a person who essentially took the life of a man who was attempting to help another human being in suffering,” Waters said.

According to Waters, Grant is a convicted felon “with a violent criminal history.”

Press play above to watch Waters’ announcement on Grant’s arrest

According to JSO, around 1:20 a.m. Saturday, a black Mustang, occupied by Grant and a woman arrived at a Love’s travel station on Duval Road.

Police said the two were involved in a violent dispute. During the argument, Grant exited the car from the passenger seat and walked over to the driver’s side.

Grant then placed a black handgun on the hood of the vehicle and forced the woman out of the driver’s seat. He proceeded to batter her, violently throwing her against the car and the ground, according to police.

During the scuffle, off-duty Corrections Officer Brad McNew, who had just finished his shift, heard the disturbance and went to check on the woman.

According to police, Grant then approached McNew, stating it was a “family matter,” then re-engaged with the woman before pointing the gun in McNew’s direction.

The suspect and woman eventually returned to the car. As they left the scene, the suspect was seen hanging out of the window, firing the firearm, and ultimately striking McNew.

Police said Grant left the scene and headed north, prompting a nationwide manhunt.

JSO released surveillance video of the altercation on social media.

DISCLAIMER: The footage contains graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised.

McNew was transported to a local hospital where he died.

“He tried to intervene, which is the absolute right thing to do as a decent human being, and not only that, but as a professional. And unfortunately, this clown decided to take his life,” Waters said Sunday.

McNew had worked for JSO for 24 years.

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan wrote a statement on X after learning about McNew’s murder.

“My heart is with the family of Officer Brad McNew and the entire JSO community after he was taken from them so suddenly and tragically last night. Jacksonville will always be grateful for the heroism he showed while off duty and for his 24 years of service to our city. Officer McNew and his family are in our prayers,” she wrote.

After announcing Grant’s arrest, Waters thanked JSO investigators and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force for their help in the investigation.

“Today, we collectively voice that we will not tolerate when a lawless criminal needlessly takes a life of a human being who is bravely defending a stranger in need and serving the members of this great community,” Waters said.

Waters said detectives are interviewing the woman involved in the incident.

Grant is facing several charges including murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, aggravated assault with a firearm, and discharging a firearm in public.

Police did not release Grant’s photo due to the ongoing criminal investigation, according to Waters. However, he said the agency will release it at a later time.

A GoFundMe was created to support the McNew family.