UPDATE UPDATE UPDATE–Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — Today, the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office successfully ended the manhunt for a suspect responsible for the murder of a South Carolina woman and the tragic killing of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare. Jaremy Alexander Smith, the individual linked to this series of violent crimes, was apprehended following a deputy-involved shooting.
Background: On the morning of March 15, 2024, Officer Hare was dispatched to assist a motorist along Interstate 40. The motorist, Jaremy Alexander Smith, engaged Officer Hare in conversation before fatally shooting him and fleeing the scene in the officer’s patrol vehicle. After a state-wide alert and a two-day intensive search, New Mexico State Police released the identity of the suspect, Jaremy Smith, alongside his extensive criminal history and warned that he was armed and dangerous.
Today’s Apprehension: On March 17, 2024, Bernalillo County Sheriff’s deputies responded to a report from a vigilant store clerk at a Murphys Gas Station located at 2730 Sunshine W Plaza Dr in Albuquerque, NM. The clerk’s description matched that of Jaremy Smith. Deputies located Smith walking on Unser and established a perimeter in a nearby residential neighborhood in the area of Dennis Chavez Blvd and Unser. A foot pursuit ensued, and shots were fired, striking Smith who was then taken into custody without further incident. Smith was transported to an area hospital where he is being treated for his injuries.
We are deeply relieved to report that no deputies were harmed during the apprehension. The quick actions and bravery of the involved deputies brought a swift conclusion to a search that weighed heavily on our community and law enforcement colleagues.
The successful capture of Jaremy Smith is a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies and the vigilant citizens of Bernalillo County. We are grateful that his rampage has come to an end, and it serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement everyday.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office extends its deepest condolences to the family of Officer Justin Hare and to the New Mexico State Police for their loss. We also stand with the family of Phenesia Machado-Fore in their time of grief.
This incident is now under investigation by the Multi-Agency Task Force, as is protocol for any deputy-involved shooting. We assure the public that this will be a thorough and transparent process.
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Albuquerque, NM (KKOB) — News Radio KKOB can confirm 32-year old Jaremy Smith, the man wanted in the shooting death of 35-year old New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare, was taken into custody just after eight this morning. His apprehension came following a pursuit and officer-involved shooting with Bernalillo County Sheriff’s deputies. A spokesman for BCSO confirms a shooting took place near Dennis Chavez Boulevard Southwest and Unser Boulevard. Smith is also considered a person of interest in connection to the death of South Carolina paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore. She was reported missing Thursday and found dead Friday night, in Dillon County, South Carolina, near the South Carolina/North Carolina state line. The police officer’s death occurred Friday mroning around 5:30 along I-40 west of Tucumcari, near Palomas. Hare was conducting a welfare check after spotting a vehicle pulled over onto the shoulder of traffic lanes. After Hare was shot, the suspect allegedly fled in his patrol car, later crashing the vehicle, then escaping on foot. Hare’s body was transported with a massive police escort Friday evening from the crime scene to the Office of the Medical Examiner in Albuquerque. Gov. Lujan Grisham said in a statement: “It’s a tragic reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face each time they put on a uniform and report for duty.” Cabinet Secretary Jason Bowie said it was a “sacrifice no one should have to make. Officer Hare will never be forgotten, and his sacrifice safeguarding our state is worthy of the highest honors.” NMSP says they are charging Smith 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.
