Video, 911 calls released of New Mexico State Police murder suspect
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office released bodycam footage of a shooting involving Jaremy Smith after a two-day manhunt that led to his arrest
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office released bodycam footage of a shooting involving Jaremy Smith after a two-day manhunt that led to his arrest
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office released bodycam footage of a shooting involving Jaremy Smith after a two-day manhunt that led to his arrest
Video above: The Bernalillo County Sheriff's office released body camera footage of a shooting involving suspect Jaremy Smith, 33, after a two-day manhunt that led to his arrest. Smith was in possession of a 'Taurus 9mm handgun' while on the run.
Smith is charged with first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of New Mexico State Police officer Justin Hare.
Hare was killed in the line of duty on Friday, March 15.
MORE: Witness encounters murder suspect during manhunt in New Mexico
"We felt confident that if we encountered the subject in the neighborhood and folks held their perimeter position, we could do a methodical search if necessary and still apprehend him," Bernalillo County Chief Deputy Nicholas Huffmyer said during Tuesday's press conference.
Related: BCSO deputies arrest man accused of killing NMSP officer
According to BCSO, Smith was struck four times and received medical care during his arrest. He was treated at a local hospital and booked into federal custody shortly after.
"Our deputies maintained composure and slowed everything down, started rescue for him immediately," Huffmyer said.
Video below: Store clerk details encounter with suspect, Jaremy Smith, shortly before his capture on Sunday
NMSP Officer Justin Hare
- Hare is a New Mexico native. He was raised in Logan and Moriarty
- He graduated from the 93rd State Police Recruit School in December 2018
- He was assigned to District 9 in Tucumcari, New Mexico
- He is survived by his parents, his brother, girlfriend, and two children
Related: Funeral service for fallen NMSP officer Justin Hare
Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement after the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office in Albuquerque apprehended Jaremy Smith, suspected of killing of State Police Officer Justin Hare:
"Today’s capture and arrest of a suspect in the cold-blooded murder of State Police Officer Justin Hare is a major step toward justice for Officer’s Hare’s family. While it doesn't bring Officer Hare back, it allows all New Mexicans to breathe a sigh of relief that a dangerous fugitive is off our streets.
I again extend my deepest sympathies to Officer Hare’s family, friends and colleagues in law enforcement for their tragic loss. I hope the suspect’s capture brings some measure of comfort to them during this painful time.
I thank the citizen who spotted the suspect and reported him to the authorities. I offer my sincere appreciation to the New Mexico State Police, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, first responders, medical personnel and others who responded to this heinous act of unprovoked violence against Officer Hare."
Suspect; Jaremy Smith, 33, of Marion, South Carolina
Charges
- 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
- Criminal damage to property
Smith is also charged with murder for the kidnapping and death of South Carolina paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore. Her body was discovered Friday night near the South Carolina - North Carolina border after family members reported her missing on Thursday.
"This case is far from over. Mrs. Fore was one of us, a fellow first responder. Her death is senseless. Our community has suffered a tremendous loss. My team and I will not stop until we bring the person or persons responsible for her death to justice," Spokesperson for the Marion County, SC Sheriff's officer, Tammy Erwin told KOAT.
NMSP: Smith has 'extensive' criminal history in South Carolina
- Taking hostages and rioting in jail
- Burglary
- Breaking and entering
- Armed robbery
- Resisting evading police officers
- Auto theft
- Shooting at or from a motor vehicle
- Armed robbery
- Person of interest in murder of South Carolina paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore
Officer Hare killed in line of duty, Friday, March 15
According to NMSP, officer Justin Hare was dispatched to assist a motorist on Interstate 40 near milepost 318 on Friday, March 15, at approximately 5 a.m.
Smith had a flat tire and was attempting to wave down other motorists. Shortly after, officer Hare arrived and parked behind the suspect's vehicle.
Smith exited his vehicle and approached the passenger side window of Hare's vehicle. Hare and Smith had a discussion to repair his flat tire. Then, Hare offered to give Smith a ride into town.
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According to NMSP, Smith, without warning, pulled out a firearm and shot Hare. Smith walked over to the driver's side of the vehicle and shot Hare again. Smith then pushed Hare into the passenger's seat and drove away in his patrol unit before crashing the vehicle a short time later and fleeing on foot.
After calls from dispatch to Officer Hare went unanswered, an additional NMSP officer was dispatched to assist. While the assisting officer responded to the area, Officer Hare's duress signal began to go off.
What is a duress signal?
The duress signal is an emergency function of the officer's handheld radio an officer can activate. It sends an emergency signal to dispatch.
"The last words that Officer Hare uttered on this earth was an offer to help the man who was about to kill him," NMSP chief Troy Weisler said. "I'm disgusted, and I am sickened by the actions of this cold-blooded murderer."
Video below: Fallen New Mexico State Police officer identified; murder suspect search continues
New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham issued a statement following the shooting death of officer Hare:
"I’m heartbroken by the devastating news that State Police Officer Justin Hare was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call near Tucumcari this morning. It’s a tragic reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face each time they put on a uniform and report for duty.
"Officer Hare was doing his job protecting his community, and his sacrifice will never be forgotten. I offer my heartfelt condolences to his family, friends and fellow officers at this most difficult time."
Hare is the second NMSP officer to be killed in the line of duty within four years. NMSP officer Darian Jarrott was shot and killed during a traffic stop near Deming on Feb. 4, 2021.
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