A suspect wanted for the murder of a New Mexico State Police officer has been arrested after a “pursuit and officer-involved shooting,” authorities said.
Police said Jaremy Smith, 32, of South Carolina, was arrested around 5:30 a.m. Friday on Interstate 40 near mile marker 318 after he pulled over to the side of the road with a flat tire. , shot and killed police officer Justin Hare.
“Yesterday, we said we would bring Jaremy Smith to justice. There was nowhere for him to run, nowhere to hide. And today, thanks to our community and our colleagues in law enforcement, we could do “it,” New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weissler He said this at a press conference on Sunday.
Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen said authorities were able to track down Smith early this morning after receiving a tip from an Albuquerque gas station employee. Once police moved in, a foot pursuit began, during which shots were fired.
New Mexico cop killer found dead while driving South Carolina paramedic’s car, police say
Mr. Foncia Machado Foer (left), Mr. Jaremy Smith (center), and Officer Justin Hare (right). Smith is accused of killing Hare and driving the BMW of Machado Foa, who was found dead in South Carolina on Friday. (Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office, left and New Mexico Police Department)
Allen said Smith was shot and is currently recovering at a local hospital, but the deputy was not injured. Investigation is ongoing.
Weisler said Smith was attempting to flag down a passing motorist Friday when Hare arrived and parked behind him.
Weisler said Smith approached the patrol car through the passenger side door, had a brief conversation about fixing the tire, and then removed the tire. I took a gun and shot a rabbit.
Weissler said the suspect then walked to the driver’s side door and shot Hare again, then forced him into the passenger seat.
Flashback: Suspect in New Mexico police shooting considered ‘armed and dangerous’
Police escorted the casket of fallen Officer Justin Hare on Friday. (New Mexico Police Department)
Smith allegedly fled the scene in a police vehicle, which was then abandoned.
“Officer Hare died serving his state and his community,” Weissler said Saturday, fighting back tears. “Officer Hare died serving his state and his community. On a cold, dark, windy morning, he offered his help to someone he thought was in trouble.”
“That man killed him in cold blood. Officer Hare’s last words on earth were asking for help from the man who was trying to kill him,” he added.
Weisler said Hare is survived by his girlfriend and two young children.
A police officer was shot and killed Friday morning near the city of Tucumcari, New Mexico. The suspect, Jaremy Smith, was arrested Sunday. (New Mexico State Police)
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Police said Smith was driving the BMW of Foncia Machado-Fore, an EMT who was found dead in Dillon County, South Carolina, on Friday night. An autopsy is scheduled for Monday to determine her cause of death.
