New Mexico State Police say they have arrested a man wanted for the murder of a fellow police officer, and police say the suspect was driving a stolen BMW that belonged to the woman who was found dead. revealed.
Police said Jaremy Smith, 32, of South Carolina, stopped on the side of the road with a flat tire near mile marker 318 on Interstate 40 around 5:30 a.m. Friday. He then shot and killed police officer Justin Hare.
New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weissler said at a news conference Saturday that Smith was attempting to flag down a passing motorist when Hare arrived and parked behind him.
Mr. Foncia Machado Foer (left), Mr. Jaremy Smith (center), and Officer Justin Hare (right). (Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office and New Mexico Police Department)
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Weisler said Smith approached the passenger door of the patrol car, had a brief conversation about fixing a tire, then pulled out a gun and shot Hare.
Weissler said the suspect then walked to the driver’s side door and shot Hare again, then forced him into the passenger seat.
Smith then drove away in a police vehicle, which was quickly abandoned. Smith is still at large and he is considered armed and dangerous.
“Officer Hare died serving his state and his community. On a cold, dark, windy morning, he offered help to anyone he thought was in trouble,” Weissler said, fighting back tears.
A police officer was shot and killed Friday morning near the city of Tucumcari, New Mexico, and police say the suspect remains at large and is considered armed and dangerous. (New Mexico State Police)
Internal investigation reveals aggravating factors in New Mexico police officer shooting death
“He killed him in cold blood. Officer Hare’s last words on earth were to ask for help from the man who was trying to kill him.
“Jeremy Smith, we’ll come get you.”
Weisler said Hare is survived by his girlfriend and two young children.
Police said Smith was driving the BMW of Foncia Machado Foer, an emergency worker who was found dead in Dillon County, South Carolina, on Friday night. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday to determine her cause of death.
Weisler said Smith has an extensive criminal history of property crimes and violent crimes dating back at least 10 years in South Carolina.
Police escorted the casket of fallen Officer Justin Hare on Friday. (New Mexico Police Department)
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Weisler said the state hasn’t had a police officer shot or killed in 30 years, but three have gone missing in the past nine months.
“In that time, we lost Officer Ferguson, Officer Hernandez and now Officer Hare, all murdered in cold blood and violently,” Weissler said.
“This has to stop.”
