Suspect in officer's killing is federally charged

The suspect in the killing of a New Mexico State Police officer from Logan was charged with federal crimes today.

Jaremy Smith, 33, of South Carolina was federally charged with carjacking resulting in death and discharge of a firearm during an relation to a crime of violence.

Smith is accused of fatally shooting NMSP officer Justin Hare, 35, of Logan on March 15 when he stopped behind the vehicle that Smith was driving that had a flat tire west of Tucumcari on Interstate 40.

Smith was arrested two days later in Albuquerque after Bernalillo County sheriff’s deputies shot him during a foot chase. Smith is being treated for his wounds at a hospital.

Smith also is a person of interest in the death of a South Carolina paramedic.

We’ll have more details in the next edition of the Quay County Sun.