Crime
Off-duty Jacksonville Corrections Officer Brad McNew killed after shooting at Love’s Travel Stop on Duval Road
Nationwide BOLO has been sent regarding the suspect, who has a North Carolina plate for a black Mustang.
UPDATE: Demaurea Leon Grant, 29, is behind bars in Gaston County, North Carolina, for the senseless murder of JSO Corrections Officer Bradley McNew.
He is being held without bond as he awaits extradition to Florida.
Our detectives are in NC gathering evidence and conducting interviews.
The woman involved in the incident is being held on other unrelated charges as the investigation continues.
Please continue to keep McNew’s family, friends, and colleagues in your prayers during this difficult time.
ORIGINAL RTEPORT:
On October 12, 2024, Sheriff T.K. Waters, alongside Undersheriff Shawn Coarsey, joined Chief of Investigation Alan Parker to provide details leading up to the murder of one of our Corrections Officers.
At approximately 1:20 a.m., in the 12900 block of Duval Road, a black Mustang occupied by a black male (suspect) and a female, were involved in a violent dispute.
During the argument, the suspect was observed exiting the vehicle from the passenger seat and walking around to the driver’s side.
The suspect then placed a black handgun on the hood of the vehicle and removed the female from the driver’s seat.
The male proceeded to batter the female, violently throwing her against the vehicle and the ground.
During the commotion, off-duty Corrections Officer Bradley McNew #7697, who just finished his shift, heard the disturbance and went to check on the female victim.
The suspect approached Officer McNew, stating it was a family matter, then re-engaged with the female before pointing the gun in Officer McNew’s direction.
The suspect and female eventually returned to the vehicle.
As they left the scene, the suspect was observed hanging out of the window, firing the firearm, and ultimately striking Officer McNew.
He was transported to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.
This is an ongoing investigation, and we ask the public to remain vigilant and consider the suspect armed and dangerous.
The vehicle was reported heading northbound on Main Street towards Nassau County.
It is a 2000s black Mustang with North Carolina license plate RHL-4285. Please do not approach the suspect or vehicle; call 911 immediately if observed.
Christian County, Mo. — Authorities have identified the suspect accused of fatally shooting a deputy with the Christian County Sheriff’s Office during a traffic stop as Richard Bird.
At the time the Blue Alert was issued, the suspect had not yet been taken into custody.
According to law enforcement officials, the deputy initiated a traffic stop involving a 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck along State Highway 160 near Highlandville.
During the stop, the suspect allegedly opened fire, fatally wounding the deputy before fleeing the scene.
The suspect was reported to have traveled southbound on Highway 160 following the shooting.
Authorities described the suspect vehicle as a black 2001 Chevrolet extended cab pickup truck equipped with a silver brush guard, black body trim, tinted rear windows, and a three-ball trailer hitch. The vehicle was bearing Missouri license plate 9MG-X36.
A statewide Blue Alert was issued to notify the public and assist in locating the suspect.
Law enforcement officials urged residents not to approach the vehicle or suspect if located, but instead to immediately call 911 and provide detailed information while remaining at a safe distance.
Christian County is situated south of Springfield and north of Branson, an area that sees significant travel due to its proximity to the Ozarks.
Multiple agencies across the region coordinated efforts in response to the alert.
Authorities have not yet released further details regarding the circumstances surrounding the shooting or the status of the investigation.
Law enforcement officials expressed their condolences to the deputy’s family, colleagues, and the community as they continue to pursue justice in the case.