Tucumcari, New Mexico – A New Mexico State police officer tragically lost his life in the line of duty when he was fatally shot on a highway near the small city of Tucumcari. Officer Justin Hare, 35, responded to a call about a driver with a flat tire on Interstate 40 at around 5 a.m. The suspect, identified as Jaremy Smith, 32, fatally shot Officer Hare without warning in a shocking turn of events.
According to New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler, the suspect approached the passenger side of Hare’s patrol vehicle, where a brief conversation about repairing the tire took place. Officer Hare kindly offered the suspect a ride to town, only for the suspect to unexpectedly brandish a firearm and fatally shoot him. The suspect then forced Hare into the passenger seat and fled in the patrol vehicle, which was later found abandoned.
A manhunt is currently underway for Jaremy Smith, who is considered “armed and dangerous.” The New Mexico State Police issued an arrest warrant for Smith, of Marion, South Carolina, on charges including first-degree murder, armed robbery, and felon in possession of a firearm. Authorities advised against approaching the suspect and urged the public to call 911 immediately if they have any information on his whereabouts.
As the community mourns the loss of Officer Hare, officers from across the region paid their respects as his body was transported to the University of New Mexico Office of the Medical Investigator for examination. Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her heartfelt condolences to Officer Hare’s family and friends.
Lieutenant Governor Howie Morales also shared his shock and sadness over the tragic loss. In a statement, Morales emphasized the importance of bringing Hare’s killer to justice, describing the gunman as a “cold-blooded murderer.” Hare, a graduate of the state police recruit school in 2018, leaves behind his parents, a girlfriend, and two young children.
Tucumcari, located about 115 miles west of Amarillo, Texas, is reeling from the loss of one of its dedicated officers. The search for Jaremy Smith continues as authorities work tirelessly to ensure justice is served in honor of Officer Hare’s memory.