Jacksonville, Florida – In a tragic incident early Saturday morning, an off-duty corrections officer in Jacksonville was fatally shot at a Love’s gas station near Jacksonville International Airport. The shooting followed a violent domestic dispute, according to Sheriff T.K. Waters, who announced that the suspect is still at large, prompting a nationwide manhunt.
The altercation occurred around 1:20 a.m., involving a Black male suspect and a White female, escalating inside a black Mustang at the gas pumps on Duval Road and International Airport Boulevard. Witnesses reported seeing the suspect brandishing a black handgun and violently removing the woman from the driver’s seat before fatally shooting corrections officer Brad McNew, a 24-year veteran with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office. McNew, who had just finished his shift, succumbed to his injuries after being transported to the hospital.
Sheriff Waters described the suspect as armed and dangerous, urging the public not to approach him and to contact law enforcement immediately if spotted. The incident, which unfolded in under five minutes, has sparked a nationwide search for the suspect, who was last seen heading northbound on Main Street towards Nassau County in a black Mustang with a North Carolina license plate RHL4285.
Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office continues to investigate the tragic event and is calling on anyone with information to come forward by calling 911. The loss of Officer McNew marks the first time a JSO officer has been killed in an act of violence since 1995, leaving the community mourning the loss of a dedicated public servant.
Sheriff Waters released a statement expressing devastation over the senseless murder of Officer McNew, emphasizing the commitment of law enforcement to bring the perpetrators to justice. Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan also extended condolences to the family of Officer McNew and the JSO community, highlighting his heroism and 24 years of service to the city.
As the investigation continues and the search for the suspect intensifies, the Jacksonville community remains united in honoring the memory of Officer McNew and seeking justice for his untimely death.