Skip to Content

Man suspected of killing New Mexico State Police Officer captured in Albuquerque Sunday

Mesilla Valley Mall Safe.00_00_00_36.Still002
New Mexico State Police
New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare, 35, who was shot and killed Friday.

Update: At a press conference held by multiple agencies Sunday morning, authorities explained what led up to the shooting that ended the manhunt for Smith.

"At 7 a.m., Bernalillo County Sherriff's Deputies were dispatched, or responded, to a report from a store clerk at a Murphy's gas station," said Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen. "The clerk's description matched that of Jaremy Smith. Deputies located Smith walking on Unser, and they immediately started to establish a perimeter... During this time, as they had an eye on Mr. Smith, a foot pursuit ensued. Shots were fired, some shots striked Smith. We don't know the amount right now, or how many. That's still under investigation. But Smith was then taken into custody without further incident. Smith was transported to a local hospital, where he's under guard, being treated for his injuries at this point."

ABC-7 reached out to authorities in New Mexico to ask whether Smith shot at deputies. The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Department did not respond as of this update. New Mexico State Police said that any updates they will provide throughout this ongoing investigation will be shared through its social media pages.

NMSP Chief Troy Weisler said authorities are now searching for anyone who may have helped Smith.

"We're tirelessly pursuing any leads, and any individuals who we determine were involved with that," said Weisler.

Weisler also said the department would be releasing details about arrangements to honor Officer Hare in the coming days. We will keep you updated on any developments.


Update: According to New Mexico State Police, Jaremy Smith has been captured after a pursuit and shooting involving Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office deputies.

No further details have been released.


ALBUQUERQUE, New Mexico (KVIA) -- New Mexico State Police have named the man that they say shot and killed an NMSP officer near Tucumcari, NM Friday morning.

32-year-old Jaremy Smith of Marion, South Carolina has been identified by New Mexico State Police as the killer, and have issued an arrest warrant for him on several charges.

Police say he killed 35-year-old officer Justin Hare during a traffic stop on I-40 between Albuquerque and Tucumcari.

Those charges include 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.

NMSP is warning that Smith is "armed and dangerous," and should not be approached. If spotted, the public is being asked to call State Police at (505) 425-6771 or dial 911.

According to our sister station KOAT in Albuquerque, officer Hare was responding to a stalled vehicle on I-40 near mile post 318 around 5 a.m. Friday.

Police say the suspect, 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 left his vehicle and walked up to the passenger side window of Hare's vehicle. Hare and Smith reportedly talked about repairing his flat tire, and officer Hare offered to give Smith a ride into town.

According to NMSP, Smith, without warning, then pulled out a gun 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 abandoning it.

A news conference will be held with more details at the State Police Office in Albuquerque Saturday at 11 a.m.

Article Topic Follows: New Mexico

Jump to comments ↓

Author Profile Photo

Jason McNabb

Reporter/Multimedia Journalist & GMEP Weekends co-anchor

Author Profile Photo

Brianna Perez

Author Profile Photo

Kerry Mannix

BE PART OF THE CONVERSATION

KVIA ABC 7 is committed to providing a forum for civil and constructive conversation.

Please keep your comments respectful and relevant. You can review our Community Guidelines by clicking here

If you would like to share a story idea, please submit it here.

Skip to content