BCSO: Man, wanted for NMSP officer’s murder, shot during pursuit
BERNALILLO COUNTY, N.M. (KRQE) — The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office (BCSO) said there was a deputy-involved shooting in the area of Unser and Anderson Hill that ended with a suspect in custody.
New Mexico State Police (NMSP) said Jaremy Smith, the man wanted for killing Officer Justin Hare, has been captured.
“The successful capture of Jaremy Smith is a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies and the vigilant citizens of Bernalillo County. We are grateful that his rampage has come to an end, and it serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement everyday,” reads a statement from BCSO.
BCSO said Sunday morning, a clerk at a gas station, located on Sunshine W Plaza Drive, reported they saw someone matching Smith’s description.
Smith was reportedly spotted walking on Unser, and authorities established a perimeter. A foot pursuit took place, and shots were fired. BCSO is not sure how many shots were fired, but Smith was hit. He was taken to the hospital.
No deputies were reported injured. The Muli-Agency Task Force is investigating.
“We are deeply relieved to report that no deputies were harmed during the apprehension. The quick actions and bravery of the involved deputies brought a swift conclusion to a search that weighed heavily on our community and law enforcement colleagues,” a statement said.
Jaremy Smith was also wanted in connection to a missing paramedic in South Carolina. Her body was discovered on Friday.
The governor released a statement on Smith’s capture. See it below:
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.
Gov. Lujan Grisham
District Attorney Sam Bregman also released a statement:
On behalf of the citizens of the State of New Mexico, I want to thank all the men and women of law enforcement for what they do every day. Being a police officer is the hardest job there is, yet each day police officers work tirelessly to protect us and serve our communities.
We are grateful this suspect is in custody and our thoughts and prayers turn to the family and friends of State Police Officer Justin Hare. His sacrifice will never be forgotten.
District Attorney Sam Bregman
BACKGROUND: Who’s NMSP Officer Justin Hare?
Around 5 a.m. on Friday, Officer Justin Hare responded to mile marker 320 on I-40 to help a motorist. He was shot and pronounced dead at a hospital. Smith is accused of killing him, stealing his patrol unit, and then fleeing on foot.
A vigil for officer Hare will be held Wednesday, March 20, at 7:30 p.m. at the NMSP office in Tucumcari.
Two GoFundMe’s have been created for Hare’s family. The first one can be located at this link. The second fundraiser, set up by the New Mexico State Police Association, can be found here.
