In Tucumcari, New Mexico, a tragic event unfolded on a Friday when a state police officer was fatally shot. The officer was performing a welfare check on a vehicle stopped on the side of an interstate highway. This incident has deeply shaken the community and law enforcement agencies across the region.
Authorities launched a comprehensive search for the suspect responsible for this heinous act. The investigation revealed that the vehicle associated with the suspect was also linked to a separate death in South Carolina. This connection has broadened the scope of the investigation, highlighting the complexity of the case.
The officer who lost his life was identified as Justin Hare, a 35-year-old member of the New Mexico State Police. Officer Hare hailed from Logan, a city in Quay County, and had grown up in Moriarty, near Albuquerque. His commitment to serving his community was well-known, and his untimely death has left a void in the hearts of those who knew him.
The incident occurred on Interstate 40, west of Tucumcari, in Quay County. The New Mexico State Police shared this distressing news on social media, appealing to the public for any information that could lead to the apprehension of the suspect. The suspect, identified as Jaremy Smith, 32, from Marion, South Carolina, remains at large. Authorities consider him armed and dangerous, urging the public to exercise caution and report any sightings to the police.
Officer Hare was responding to a call for assistance early in the morning. Upon arriving at the scene, he encountered Smith, who was experiencing a flat tire. In a tragic turn of events, Smith allegedly drew a weapon and shot Officer Hare, a gesture starkly contrasting with Hare’s intention to help.
The New Mexico State Police have issued an arrest warrant for Smith, charging him with multiple offenses, including first-degree murder and armed robbery. This case has drawn attention to the dangers law enforcement officers face daily while performing their duties.
In a related development, authorities discovered the body of a woman in Lake View, South Carolina, connected to the vehicle found at the crime scene. The victim was identified as Phonesia Machado-Fore, a paramedic from Pee Dee. The circumstances surrounding her death and the vehicle’s possession by Smith remain under investigation.
The loss of Officer Hare and Mrs. Fore has deeply affected their communities and colleagues. Both were dedicated first responders, and their deaths are a reminder of the risks associated with public service. The law enforcement community and state officials have expressed their determination to bring those responsible to justice, honoring the memory and sacrifice of those lost.
As the investigation continues, the community mourns the loss of a dedicated officer and a valued first responder. The commitment to finding justice for Officer Hare and Mrs. Fore remains unwavering, with state and local agencies working tirelessly to resolve this tragic case.