Sheriff Waters announces ‘important update’ in the murder of an off-duty JSO corrections officer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it will announce an “important update” on the killing of corrections officer Bradley McNew on Sunday morning.

Press play above to watch the press conference live at 11am

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A nationwide manhunt was underway after a corrections officer with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office was shot and killed early Saturday morning at a truck stop on Jacksonville’s north side.

According to JSO, a black Mustang carrying a man and a woman arrived at a Love’s travel station on Duval Road around 1:20 a.m.

According to police, the two were involved in a violent argument. During the argument, the suspect got out of the car from the passenger seat and walked 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. According to police, the man then violently hit her against the car and the ground.

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 and stated it was a “family matter,” then interacted with the woman again 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 the window, discharging the firearm and ultimately striking McNew.

JSO released surveillance video of the altercation on social media.

DISCLAIMER: The images contain graphic content. Viewer discretion is advised.

The suspect car was described as a black 2000s Mustang with North Carolina license plate RHL-4285. Please do not approach the suspect or vehicle. If you notice this, call 112 immediately.

McNew was transported to a local hospital, where he died, according to JSO.

McNew worked for JSO for 24 years.

Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan wrote a statement about X after hearing about McNew’s murder.

“My heart goes out to Officer Bradley McNew’s family and the entire JSO community after he was so suddenly and tragically taken from them last night. Jacksonville will always be grateful for the heroism he showed during his time off work and for his 24 years of service to our city. Officer McNew and his family are in our prayers,” she wrote.

Sheriff TK 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 also on the structure of law and order. We will stop at nothing to bring perpetrators to justice and ensure they face the full weight of the law. Our fallen officer’s sacrifice will never be forgotten, and we are united in our commitment to honor his memory by relentlessly pursuing justice,” Waters wrote.

Watch the full JSO briefing on the incident below

This is an ongoing investigation.

JSO asks the public to remain vigilant and consider the suspect armed and dangerous.

The vehicle drove north onto Main Street toward Nassau County. Once again, the car was described as a black Mustang from the 2000s with a North Carolina license plate RHL-4285. Please do not approach the suspect or vehicle.

If you notice this, call 112 immediately.