NEW MEXICO (KRQE) – New Mexico State Police has identified the suspect in the shooting of Officer Justin Hare as 32-year-old Jaremy Smith of Marion, South Carolina.
In an update posted on Facebook, NMSP Chief Troy Weisler said around 5 a.m. Friday, Officer Hare was sent to help a motorist with a flat tire on I-40 near mile marker 320, west of Tucumcari.
Officer Hare parked behind the vehicle. Jaremy Smith, 32, then approached the officer’s passenger side window.
“Officer Hare offered to give the suspect a ride to town, then, without warning, the suspect pulled out a firearm and shot Officer Hare. The suspect then walked to the driver’s side and shot Officer Hare again,” said Chief Weisler.
The chief also said Smith then pushed Officer Hare to the passenger seat and took off in the officer’s patrol car. An officer found the unit crashed on the side of the road, and Hare was not inside. They believe Smith fled on foot. Officer Hare was found on a frontage road near milepost 312. He was taken to the hospital but died.
“The last words Officer Hare uttered on this earth was an offer to help the man who was about to kill him. I am disgusted and sickened by the actions of this cold-blooded murderer. We are bringing every resource to bare to bring Officer Hare’s killer to justice and we will not rest until that is done,” said Chief Weisler.
Police are still searching for Smith. NMSP has also issued an arrest warrant for the 32-year-old, charging him with 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.
The suspect was last seen wearing a brown hoodie and jacket. He is considered armed and dangerous; community members are advised not to approach him. Anyone with information is asked to contact NMSP, 911, or Crime Stoppers at 505-843-7867.
Officials said Smith has a criminal history that includes some violent crime and has ties to the area because he’s been to Albuquerque before. Authorities also confirmed the vehicle he was using, a white BMW, belonged to a woman who was found dead in South Carolina.
Officer Hare is the first New Mexico State Police Officer to be killed in the line of duty since Officer Darrian Jarrott in February of 2021.
NMSP released the following photos of the suspect:
About Office Justin Hare
Officer Hare became a member of the NMSP in December 2018, successfully completing the training program as part of the 93rd graduating class for NMSP. He was born in Albuquerque and was raised in Logan and Moriarty, New Mexico. He attended CNM and Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University. He is survived by his parents, girlfriend, and two young children.
Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham issued the following statement regarding the shooting:
“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.”
A GoFundMe has been created for Hare’s family. Click here to see it.
