A nationwide manhunt is underway after a Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office corrections officer was shot and killed early Saturday morning at a truck stop on Jacksonville’s Northside.
According to JSO, around 1:20 a.m., a black Mustang with a man and a woman arrived at a Love’s travel station on Duval Road.
Police said the two were involved in a violent dispute. During the argument, the suspect exited the car from the passenger seat and walked over to the driver’s side.
The suspect then placed a black handgun on the hood of the vehicle and forced the woman out of the driver’s seat. The man proceeded to batter her, violently throwing her against the car and the ground, according to police.
During the scuffle, off-duty Corrections Officer Bradley McNew, who had just finished his shift, heard the disturbance and went to check on the woman.
The suspect approached McNew, stating it was a “family matter,” then re-engaged with the woman before pointing the gun in McNew’s direction, JSO said.
The suspect and woman eventually returned to the car. As they left the scene, the suspect was seen hanging out of the window, firing the firearm, and ultimately striking McNew.
JSO released surveillance video of the altercation on social media.
The suspect car was described as a 2000s black Mustang with North Carolina license plate RHL-4285. Please do not approach the suspect or vehicle. Call 911 immediately if observed.
McNew was transported to a local hospital where he died, according to JSO.
McNew had worked for JSO for 24 years.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan wrote a statement on X after learning about McNew’s murder.
“My heart is with the family of Officer Bradley McNew and the entire JSO community after he was taken from them so suddenly and tragically last night. Jacksonville will always be grateful for the heroism he showed while off duty and for his 24 years of service to our city. Officer McNew and his family are in our prayers,” she wrote.
Sheriff T.K. Waters also wrote a statement.
“We are devastated by the brutal and senseless murder of one of our brave officers, who was taken from us while selflessly serving and protecting our community. This is an attack not only on our agency but on the very fabric of law and order. We will stop at nothing to bring the perpetrators to justice and ensure they face the full weight of the law. Our fallen officer’s sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we stand united in our commitment to honor his memory by relentlessly pursuing justice,” Waters wrote.
This is an ongoing investigation.
JSO is asking the public to remain vigilant and consider the suspect armed and dangerous.
The vehicle was reported heading northbound on Main Street towards Nassau County. Again, the car was described as a 2000s black Mustang with North Carolina license plate RHL-4285. Please do not approach the suspect or vehicle.
Call 911 immediately if observed.
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Source: news4jax
