Early Friday morning, a routine response turned deadly for New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare.
According to Breitbart, a manhunt is actively ongoing for Jaremy Smith following the fatal shooting of Officer Hare during what was supposed to be assistance for a flat tire.
Officer Hare was dispatched near Tucumcari, New Mexico, along the I-40, an area now marked by tragedy. At approximately 5:30 a.m., near mile marker 320, what should have been a routine act of service quickly escalated into an unimaginable act of violence.
Officer Hare’s approach to aid was met with deadly force by Jaremy Smith, a 32-year-old from Marion, South Carolina. Smith faces multiple charges, including First Degree Murder and Armed Robbery, among others.
Jaremy Smith, considered armed and dangerous, was last observed walking on the I-40 Frontage Road at mile marker 304. At the time of the shooting, he was described as wearing a brown hoodie and jacket. Authorities are urging the public to remain vigilant and report any sightings of Smith.
The New Mexico State Police have stated that there is an ongoing search for Smith. The gravity of the charges against him underscores the urgency of apprehending him quickly to prevent further danger to the community.
Officer Hare, husband and father of two young children, was responding to what appeared to be a common request for assistance. The news of his death has shaken not only the law enforcement community but also the public, who mourn the loss of an officer dedicated to serving and protecting.
In a statement, the New Mexico State Police detailed the charges laid against Smith.
Updated SUSPECT Information: The suspect in Officer Justin Hare’s Murder has been identified as Jaremy Smith, 32, of Marion, South Carolina. New Mexico State Police has issued an arrest warrant for Smith, 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.
This narrative starkly contrasts with the expected outcome of what began as a gesture of goodwill. Officer Hare's intervention underlines the inherent risks law enforcement officers face daily, even during seemingly benign tasks.
The local and national law enforcement communities have rallied to support Officer Hare's family during this difficult time. The pursuit of justice for Officer Hare is a driving force behind the intensive search efforts for Jaremy Smith.
The tragic loss of Officer Hare has ignited a renewed appreciation for the sacrifices made by those in uniform. His death serves as a painful reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement officers and the ultimate price they may pay in their dedication to public service.
The fatal shooting of Officer Justin Hare by Jaremy Smith, who is now evading law enforcement, has thrust the community of Tucumcari, New Mexico, into a state of mourning and apprehension. The charges against Smith highlight the seriousness of his actions, but the loss experienced by Officer Hare’s family and his law enforcement family is immeasurable.
Officer Hare’s attempt to assist a motorist in need, leading to his untimely death, underscores the unpredictable dangers law enforcement officers encounter. The ongoing manhunt for Smith is a testament to the resolve of New Mexico’s law enforcement to seek justice for one of their own.
