State police officer slain near Tucumcari; suspect identified

A New Mexico State Police officer with area ties was shot and killed west of Tucumcari on Interstate 40 on Friday morning, and the attacker remains at large.

A statement from Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham hours later expressing condolences confirmed the fallen officer was Justin Hare, who lived in Logan. Hare also grew up in Moriarty.

“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," the governor stated. "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.”

According to a news release early Saturday from New Mexico State Police, the suspect was identified as Jaremy Smith, 32, of Marion, South Carolina. State police have 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.

Anyone with information about the suspect's whereabouts is urged to call 911.

The shooting occurred near mile marker 318 on westbound I-40.

According to a videotaped message early Saturday from NMSP Chief Troy Weisler, Hare was dispatched about 5 a.m. Friday to help a motorist with a flat tire. Hare parked behind the disabled vehicle.

"The suspect exited his vehicle and approached Officer Hare's passenger side window. A short conversation ensued about repairing his tire, and Officer Hare offered to give the suspect a ride to town," Weisler said.

"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. He then pushed Officer Hare into the passenger seat and drove away an Officer Hare's patrol unit, which was abandoned a short time later.

"The last words that Officer Hare uttered on this earth was an offer to help the man who was about to kill him. I am disgusted and I am sickened by the actions of this cold-blooded murderer. We are bringing every resource to bear to bring Officer Hare's killer to justice. And we will not rest until that is done."

Weisler said Hare is survived by his parents, a girlfriend and two young children. Hare had been with the state police force since 2018.

The suspect last was seen on foot on the I-40 frontage road at milepost 304 between Montoya and Newkirk.

At a command outpost at Newkirk, a police officer sent up a drone at about noon to search for the suspect.

Lujan Grisham said during a Friday morning news conference that "other injuries" were sustained during efforts to apprehend the suspect, according to the Albuquerque Journal.

"This has to be an incredibly painful and horrific time for family and friends," she said.

Many residents and law enforcement agencies sent messages of condolences and support to Hare's family and his fellow officers.

"To many of us, Officer Justin Hare was more than a powerful asset; he was a friend and a mentor," the Tucumcari Police Department posted on Facebook. "To lose such a hero in this way ... we have no words."

On Friday afternoon, dozens of police vehicles escorted a hearse containing Hare's body out of Tucumcari. Hare's remains were taken to the Office of Medical Examiner in Albuquerque.

It was the first death of a state police officer since 2021, when Patrolman Darian Jarrott was shot and killed during a traffic stop on Interstate 10 near Deming.