Tucumcari, New Mexico— A New Mexico State Police officer was tragically shot and killed in a cold-blooded attack while offering assistance to a stranded driver early Friday morning. The officer, identified as Justin Hare, was shot twice by the driver, who then fled the scene with the patrol car, authorities revealed.
Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for 32-year-old Jaremy Smith from Marion, South Carolina. Smith is deemed “armed and dangerous” and is wanted in connection with the ambush that resulted in Officer Hare’s death on Interstate 40, according to the New Mexico State Police.
The incident took place around 5 a.m. local time in New Mexico when Hare responded to a call for help from a motorist with a flat tire near Tucumcari. The disabled vehicle turned out to be a white BMW belonging to a South Carolina first responder who was found deceased later that day.
During the encounter, Smith unexpectedly drew a firearm and shot Officer Hare before driving off in the patrol vehicle, leaving Hare fatally wounded. The suspect is now facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, armed robbery, and unlawful possession of a firearm, among others.
Officer Justin Hare, who completed police recruit school in 2018, leaves behind grieving loved ones, including his parents, girlfriend, and two young children. The police chief expressed deep sorrow over the loss of Hare and urged Smith to surrender peacefully.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham of New Mexico offered her condolences to Hare’s family, friends, and colleagues in the law enforcement community during this challenging time. Meanwhile, in South Carolina, authorities recovered the body of missing paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore, whose car was linked to the suspect in Hare’s case.
Sheriff Brian Wallace of Marion County emphasized the senseless tragedy of Machado-Fore’s death, vowing to relentlessly pursue justice for her and bring those responsible to account. The investigation into these interconnected incidents is ongoing, with federal, state, and local authorities working together to uncover the truth.
As details continue to unfold in these heartbreaking events, the community mourns the loss of two dedicated first responders and stands united in seeking justice for the victims.