New Mexico State Police officer fatally shot in apparent ambush attack by driver he tried to help, police say
A New Mexico State Police officer was fatally shot “in cold blood” early Friday when he offered to help the driver of a disabled vehicle, who responded by shooting the officer twice and driving off with his patrol car, authorities said.
A New Mexico State Police officer, Officer Justin Hare, was tragically killed on Friday when he offered assistance to a driver of a disabled vehicle. The driver responded by shooting Officer Hare twice and fleeing the scene in the patrol car. The suspect, 32-year-old Jaremy Smith, from Marion, South Carolina, is considered armed and dangerous. An arrest warrant has been issued for Smith, who is wanted in connection with the ambush attack that took place on Interstate 40.
State Police Chief Troy Weisler expressed his grief and anger during a news conference, stating that Officer Hare had offered help to someone he believed was in need, only to be killed in cold blood. Chief Weisler pleaded with Smith to turn himself in peacefully.
The incident occurred at around 5 a.m. near Tucumcari, New Mexico, when Officer Hare responded to a call for assistance from a motorist with a flat tire. The disabled vehicle turned out to be a white BMW that belonged to a first responder in South Carolina, who was later found dead. The investigation into this death is ongoing.
When Officer Hare arrived at the scene, he parked behind Smith's disabled vehicle. Smith approached the passenger side window, and a brief conversation took place about repairing the tire. Officer Hare then offered to give Smith a ride to town. However, without warning, Smith pulled out a firearm and shot Officer Hare. He then shot him again before pushing him into the passenger seat and fleeing in the patrol car. The car was later abandoned.
Smith is now facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, armed robbery, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, tampering with evidence, felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and criminal damage to property.
Officer Hare, who graduated from police recruit school in 2018, leaves behind his parents, girlfriend, and two young children. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her condolences to Officer Hare's family, friends, and fellow officers.
In a related development, the body of a missing South Carolina paramedic, Phonesia Machado-Fore, has been discovered. Her car has been linked to Smith. The Marion County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina received a report of her disappearance, and authorities worked to locate her. She was found deceased on a property in Dillon County, South Carolina. The investigation into her death is ongoing, and law enforcement officials are determined to bring those responsible to justice.
Please note that this is a developing story and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
State Police Chief Troy Weisler expressed his grief and anger during a news conference, stating that Officer Hare had offered help to someone he believed was in need, only to be killed in cold blood. Chief Weisler pleaded with Smith to turn himself in peacefully.
The incident occurred at around 5 a.m. near Tucumcari, New Mexico, when Officer Hare responded to a call for assistance from a motorist with a flat tire. The disabled vehicle turned out to be a white BMW that belonged to a first responder in South Carolina, who was later found dead. The investigation into this death is ongoing.
When Officer Hare arrived at the scene, he parked behind Smith's disabled vehicle. Smith approached the passenger side window, and a brief conversation took place about repairing the tire. Officer Hare then offered to give Smith a ride to town. However, without warning, Smith pulled out a firearm and shot Officer Hare. He then shot him again before pushing him into the passenger seat and fleeing in the patrol car. The car was later abandoned.
Smith is now facing multiple charges, including first-degree murder, armed robbery, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, tampering with evidence, felon in possession of a firearm, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and criminal damage to property.
Officer Hare, who graduated from police recruit school in 2018, leaves behind his parents, girlfriend, and two young children. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her condolences to Officer Hare's family, friends, and fellow officers.
In a related development, the body of a missing South Carolina paramedic, Phonesia Machado-Fore, has been discovered. Her car has been linked to Smith. The Marion County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina received a report of her disappearance, and authorities worked to locate her. She was found deceased on a property in Dillon County, South Carolina. The investigation into her death is ongoing, and law enforcement officials are determined to bring those responsible to justice.
Please note that this is a developing story and further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.