A man has been arrested in connection with the fatal shooting of an off-duty Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office corrections officer at a Northside truck stop.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office announced that 29-year-old Demaurea Grant was taken into custody in North Carolina on Sunday morning.
He is accused of killing Brad McNew, a 24-year veteran of the department, who was shot while trying to help a woman at the truck stop.
The incident occurred after McNew had finished his shift and encountered Grant at the Duval Road truck stop.
Witnesses say that Grant was seen throwing a woman against a car before placing a handgun on the hood of the vehicle.
McNew approached the pair and asked if the woman was okay. Grant reportedly told McNew that it was a “family matter” and then pointed the gun at him.
As the situation escalated, the woman with Grant tried to get him to leave.
However, before they could leave the scene, Grant fired multiple shots from the passenger seat of a car, striking McNew.
Grant and the woman then fled the area. McNew was rushed to a hospital but died from his injuries.
Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters confirmed that Grant was arrested in Gastonia, North Carolina, without incident.
He is currently being held without bond and will be extradited to Florida. Waters emphasized that significant resources were dedicated to locating and apprehending Grant.
JSO detectives are now in North Carolina, gathering evidence and conducting interviews as part of the investigation.
Sheriff Waters expressed his determination to ensure that Grant faces accountability for the killing. “Today’s arrest is about accountability for a person who essentially took the life of a man who was attempting to help another human being,” Waters said.
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He also remarked that the agency would not allow individuals to escape justice for their actions. “This is not an agency that’s going to let you do whatever you want and not face the consequences for it,” Waters stated.
McNew’s family and friends held a candlelight vigil in his honor at Jack Russell Park in Atlantic Beach over the weekend.
His son, Liam McNew, spoke at the vigil, expressing his pride in his father’s actions. “I know he didn’t have any regrets when he helped that woman who was being abused,” Liam said, reflecting on his father’s final moments of service to others.
Now, as the investigation continues, there is a strong sense of grief in the community, but also a call for justice.
The JSO is committed to ensuring that Grant is held accountable for his actions.
Eliot Pierce is a dedicated writer for ChiefsFocus.com, covering local crime and finance news. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, Eliot aims to provide his readers with clear and insightful analysis, helping them navigate the complexities of their financial lives while staying informed about important local events. His commitment to delivering accurate and engaging content makes him a valuable resource for the community.