GASTON COUNTY, N.C. — A man accused of shooting and killing a corrections officer in Florida was taken into custody Sunday morning in Gaston County.
The U.S. Marshals Fugitive task force, along with the Gastonia Police Department, responded to North Highland Street Sunday morning to apprehend an alleged violent fugitive wanted out of Jacksonville, Florida.
Marshals say this all stemmed from an incident Saturday when JSO Corrections officer Brad McNew tried to help a woman the suspect was assaulting.
Officials say during the confrontation the suspect pointed a gun at McNew and shot him.
Officer McNew was transported to a local hospital where he later died.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office sent out an alert for a vehicle the suspect may be driving after the incident.
Suspect vehicle and altercation - 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.
Posted by Jacksonville Sheriff's Office on Saturday, October 12, 2024
The alleged suspect Demaurea Grant, 29, was taken into custody and charged with second degree murder, possessing a gun by a convicted felon, and other related charges.
Grant is currently awaiting extradition back to Florida.
The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office, along with the U.S. Marshals task force, held a press conference following the arrest.
Update on Murder of CO B. McNewARREST FOR MURDER OF CORRECTIONS OFFICER BRAD MCNEW At 7:30AM this morning, the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested Demaurea Grant, 29, in Gastonia, North Carolina for the brutal murder of JSO Corrections Officer Brad McNew. McNew tried to help a woman who was with grant as he was assaulting her when Grant shot and killed McNew. “Today, with the prospect of accountability, our collective horror turns to collective hope,” Sheriff T.K. Waters said. Sheriff Waters stood alongside his command staff members, SA Melissa Nelson, and US Marshals Senior Inspector Jason Poore, as he provided details. Since this is an active investigation, we can only release limited information. Our detectives are interviewing the woman involved in the incident. Our hearts go out to Officer McNew’s family, friends, and colleagues.
Posted by Jacksonville Sheriff's Office on Sunday, October 13, 2024
(RELATED STORY: Marshals arrest SC man accused of shooting 18-year-old in Wingate)
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