An investigation is underway after a state trooper was shot and killed Friday, according to NBC News.
New Mexico State Trooper Justin Hare, 35, was shot and killed after responding to a 911 call early Friday morning. according to Go to NBC News. The suspect is still at large, but by the time officers arrived to help him, he had a flat tire and was stranded.
“A brief conversation ensued about fixing the tire, and Officer Hare offered to give the suspect a ride into town. Then, without warning, the suspect pulled out a gun and shot and killed Officer Hare,” News reported. Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weissler said.
South Carolina man suspected of killing police officer becomes focus of New Mexico investigation @NMStatePolice. The case is related to a missing persons investigation in the Palmetto State.our @a_o_o_o_o_ We report on this unfolding tragedy… https://t.co/VRWHGxnrX1
— FITSNews (@fitsnews) March 16, 2024
The suspect was identified as Jaremy Smith, 32, of South Carolina, the newspaper said. The newspaper said Smith allegedly shot Hare at close range, stole a police car and then abandoned it. After the attack, Hare did not respond to a call for dispatch, so another officer arrived at the scene and found the stolen police car that had been crashed, and Smith fled the scene, the newspaper said. Authorities later found Officer Hare and took him to a hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries, the paper said. (Related: Video showing dramatic moment police arrest murder suspect Raad al-Mansoori)
Democratic New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her condolences to the officer’s family on X (formerly Twitter).
I am saddened by the shocking news this morning that State Trooper Justin Hare was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call near Tucumcari. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends and fellow officers at this most difficult time. pic.twitter.com/96N36IXLDU
— Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham (@GovMLG) March 15, 2024
An arrest warrant was issued for Smith. He is charged with first-degree murder, among other charges, according to NBC News. Smith has a lengthy criminal history, primarily in South Carolina, was last seen on foot, and is considered extremely dangerous. He is also a person of interest in the murder of South Carolina paramedic Fenesia Machado Fore, who was allegedly driven by Smith, the newspaper said.
