In Tucumcari, New Mexico, a tragic event unfolded early Friday morning, leading to the death of a New Mexico State Police officer. The officer was shot fatally by a motorist he had stopped to assist. The motorist, whose vehicle had broken down, responded to the officer’s offer of help by shooting him twice and then fleeing the scene in the officer’s patrol car.
Authorities have identified 32-year-old Jaremy Smith from Marion, South Carolina, as the suspect in this heinous act. Smith is considered armed and dangerous and is wanted for the ambush and murder of Officer Justin Hare on Interstate 40. An arrest warrant has been issued for his capture.
State Police Chief Troy Weisler expressed his disgust and sorrow over the incident, emphasizing the tragic irony that Officer Hare’s final act was an attempt to assist the very individual who would take his life. The police are determined to bring Officer Hare’s killer to justice, utilizing every available resource.
In a related development, authorities in South Carolina have linked Smith to another crime. The car Smith was driving at the time of Officer Hare’s murder belonged to a first responder from South Carolina, who was found dead on Friday evening. An autopsy for the first responder is scheduled for Monday.
Officer Hare, who joined the police force in 2018, was responding to a call about a motorist with a flat tire trying to flag down help on the interstate near Tucumcari. Upon arrival, Hare parked behind the disabled vehicle, and after a brief conversation about the tire, offered Smith a ride to town. Suddenly, Smith produced a firearm, shooting Hare and then commandeering the patrol vehicle.
Smith faces multiple charges, including first-degree murder, armed robbery, and unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, among others. Officer Hare is mourned by his parents, girlfriend, and two young children.
New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her condolences to Officer Hare’s loved ones and colleagues, acknowledging the profound loss to the community.
In a separate but related case, the body of a missing South Carolina paramedic, 52-year-old Phonesia Machado-Fore, was discovered. Her vehicle was connected to Smith, intensifying the search for him. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office, along with federal, state, and local authorities, are committed to bringing those responsible for her death to justice, highlighting the impact of these tragic events on the community of first responders.
This story is ongoing and will be updated as more information becomes available.