BCSO releasing details on three recent deputy-involved shootings
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE) – The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is holding a news conference on Tuesday, April 16 to release details on three recent deputy-involved shootings.
March 17, 2024
BCSO deputies were involved in a shooting with Jaremy Smith, who is accused of shooting and killing New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare. BCSO said a clerk at a gas station, located on Sunshine W Plaza Drive, reported they saw someone matching Smith’s description. Smith was spotted walking on Unser, and authorities established a perimeter. BCSO says foot pursuit took place, and shots were fired. Smith was shot during the incident and was taken into custody and brought to the hospital.
March 17, 2024 (separate incident)
BCSO says deputies responded to 2nd St. and Osuna after getting calls about a suspicious vehicle. They say when deputies approached the vehicle, the driver refused to comply and drove towards deputies, leading to a pursuit. The pursuit ended in the parking lot of the Carpenters Union at 3900 Pan American Freeway where deputies fired at least one round. No suspects or deputies were injured in the incident. BCSO says two suspects were taken into custody.
February 27, 2024
BCSO deputies were involved in a shooting near the area of Menaul Blvd. and University Blvd. BCSO says deputies were conducting an auto theft operation when they attempted to stop a vehicle in the parking lot of the Ramada Plaza Hotel. While attempting to stop the vehicle, 39-year-old Lupe Vargas crashed in the parking lot and discharged a firearm at deputies, who returned fire at the suspect. Officials say Vargas ran inside the hotel and later attempted to flee by stealing one of the deputy’s vehicles. While attempting to steal the BCSO vehicle, Vargas was taken into custody. Vargas was taken to the hospital with a gunshot wound that BCSO says is non life-threatening. No deputies were injured.
