On October 12, 2024, at approximately 1:20 a.m., off-duty Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office Corrections Officer Bradley McNew was fatally shot while attempting to assist a woman during a violent altercation near the 12900 block of Duval Road. Sheriff T.K. Waters, accompanied by Undersheriff Shawn Coarsey and Chief of Investigation Alan Parker, provided details surrounding the tragic event.
The altercation involved a black Mustang occupied by 29-year-old Demaurea Grant and a female passenger. Witnesses reported that Grant exited the vehicle’s passenger side, placed a black handgun on the hood, and forcefully removed the female from the driver’s seat. He then began to assault her, throwing her against the vehicle and onto the ground.
Officer McNew, having just completed his shift and hearing the disturbance, approached the scene to check on the woman’s welfare. Grant initially told McNew it was a “family matter” before turning violent again, further assaulting the female. The suspect then retrieved the handgun from the hood of the vehicle and pointed it in McNew’s direction. After a brief confrontation, Grant and the woman returned to the vehicle. As they drove away, Grant leaned out of the window and fired multiple shots, one of which struck Officer McNew.
The officer was transported to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead from his injuries.
Suspect Fled the Scene, Arrest Made in North Carolina
The suspect’s vehicle, a 2000s black Mustang with North Carolina license plate RHL-4285, was observed fleeing northbound on Main Street towards Nassau County. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office immediately launched an investigation and issued a public warning, urging citizens not to approach Grant, who was considered armed and dangerous.
After a 24-hour manhunt, on Sunday, October 13, 2024, at approximately 7:30 a.m., members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force located and arrested Demaurea Grant in Gastonia, North Carolina, where he had been hiding since fleeing the scene of the crime.
Statement from Sheriff T.K. Waters
In response to the arrest, Sheriff T.K. Waters expressed relief and a renewed sense of hope for justice: “Today, with the prospect of accountability, our collective horror turns to collective hope. We are devastated by the brutal and senseless murder of one of our brave officers, who was taken from us while selflessly serving and protecting our community. This is an attack not only on our agency but on the very fabric of law and order. We will stop at nothing to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure they face the full weight of the law.”
Sheriff Waters also highlighted Officer McNew’s heroism in attempting to assist a woman in danger, emphasizing the officer’s commitment to public safety.
Investigation Ongoing
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and multiple law enforcement agencies continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident, gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses. The T.K. Waters administration remains committed to bringing full justice to Officer McNew’s family and colleagues.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact law enforcement or submit anonymous tips through Crime Stoppers.
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