UPDATE: Man suspected of killing NM State Police officer has been captured
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — The man suspected of killing a New Mexico State Police officer on Friday has been captured, NMSP said in an update issued Sunday morning, March 17.
New Mexico State Police say Jaremy Smith of South Carolina has been captured after a pursuit and an officer-involved shooting with the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office.
New Mexico State Police say Smith shot and killed Officer Justin Hare early Friday morning when Hare was sent out to help a motorist with a flat tire on Interstate 40 west of Tucumcari.
According to our sister station KRQE in Albuquerque, a clerk at a gas station in Albuquerque saw a man matching Smith’s description and reported the man to authorities.
Smith was then spotted walking along a street in Albuquerque and law enforcement established a perimeter. According to KRQE, a foot pursuit took place and shots were fired. Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office said they were not sure how many shots were fired, but Smith was hit and taken to the hospital. No deputies were reported as injured.
New Mexico State Police had issued an arrest warrant for Smith, charging him with first-degree murder, armed robbery, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, tampering with evidence, felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and criminal damage to property.
According to New Mexico State Police, Smith has “an extensive criminal history in South Carolina” that included taking hostages and rioting in jail; breaking and entering; armed robbery; resisting or evading police officers; auto theft; and shooting at or from a motor vehicle.
He is also considered a person of interest in the murder of a South Carolina paramedic named Phenesia Machado-Fore, according to New Mexico State Police.
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement after Smith’s arrest.
“Today’s capture and arrest of a suspect in the cold-blooded murder of State Police Officer Justin Hare is a major step toward justice for Officer’s Hare’s family. While it doesn’t bring Officer Hare back, it allows all New Mexicans to breathe a sigh of relief that a dangerous fugitive is off our streets. I again extend my deepest sympathies to Officer Hare’s family, friends and colleagues in law enforcement for their tragic loss. I hope the suspect’s capture brings some measure of comfort to them during this painful time.
“I thank the citizen who spotted the suspect and reported him to the authorities. I offer my sincere appreciation to the New Mexico State Police, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, first responders, medical personnel and others who responded to this heinous act of unprovoked violence against Officer Hare. Violent gun crime is a scourge in New Mexico. We must take decisive action to keep firearms out of the hands of dangerous, repeat felony offenders.”
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