An off-duty corrections officer from Florida tragically lost his life while intervening in a domestic violence situation over the weekend. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office reports that Officer Brad McNew was fatally shot while attempting to assist a woman being assaulted at a Love’s Travel Stop in Jacksonville early Saturday morning.
The incident unfolded around 1:20 a.m. when McNew, who had just finished his shift, witnessed 29-year-old Demaurea Grant assaulting the woman. In an act of bravery, McNew approached the scene to check on the victim, only to be shot by Grant, who subsequently fled the location.
On Sunday morning, following a nationwide manhunt, Grant was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Regional Task Force in Gastonia, North Carolina. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Grant faces several serious charges, including murder, possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, and aggravated assault with a firearm. He is currently being held without bond as he awaits extradition to Florida.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters addressed the media, emphasizing the need for accountability in light of McNew’s senseless death. “Today’s arrest is about accountability, accountability for a person who senselessly took the life of a man who was attempting to help another human being in suffering,” he stated.
Brad McNew served with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office for approximately 24 years and was remembered as a dedicated public servant, a loving husband, and a father. A GoFundMe campaign has been set up to support his family during this difficult time.
On Monday, a procession was held to honor McNew’s life and service. Dozens of officers from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office and Fire Rescue accompanied a hearse carrying his body from the Duval County Medical Examiner’s Office to Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home in Riverside. The procession was a poignant reminder of the impact McNew had on his colleagues and community.
Surveillance footage from the gas station has been reviewed by investigators as they continue to gather evidence and interview the woman involved in the incident.
This heartbreaking event underscores the risks law enforcement officers face, even while off duty, and the courage it takes to stand up against violence. McNew’s family, friends, and colleagues are committed to ensuring that his legacy lives on as a testament to his dedication and bravery.