Suspect in Killing of New Mexico State Police Officer Captured in Albuquerque

In a major breakthrough in the investigation of the shooting death of a New Mexico state police officer, authorities have announced the capture of a suspect in the Albuquerque area. The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office detained 33-year-old Jaremy Smith of Marion, South Carolina, after receiving a tip from a gas station clerk who noticed a man matching Smith's description.

According to Sheriff John Allen, Smith was found walking on the outskirts of a residential area and was wounded by gunfire during a foot pursuit. He was subsequently taken into custody without further incident and has been admitted to a local hospital for treatment under police guard. The extent of his injuries is currently unknown.

Authorities have identified Smith as a person of interest in the killing of a local paramedic in South Carolina, whose stolen car was involved in Friday's fatal shooting of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare along Interstate 40. Smith's movements since the shooting are currently under investigation by State Police Chief Troy Weisler.

Officer Hare was dispatched on Friday morning to assist a motorist with a flat tire on I-40. As Hare parked behind the white BMW, an individual exited the vehicle and approached the officer's patrol car from the passenger side, shooting him without warning. The perpetrator then proceeded to the driver's side, firing at Hare again before placing his body in the back seat and fleeing in the patrol vehicle. It was later discovered that the stolen BMW belonged to Phonesia Machado-Fore, a Marion County paramedic and shooting victim in South Carolina.

Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace expressed relief upon hearing of Smith's apprehension, stating that the Marion County Sheriff's Office currently has no charges against him. Smith will remain in the custody of New Mexico State Police until charges are filed.

Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham praised the individual who reported Smith to the authorities, hailing his capture as a "major step toward justice" for Officer Hare's grieving family. The investigation into the case is ongoing, and further details about potential charges have not yet been disclosed.

This development brings hope that the perpetrator responsible for Officer Hare's tragic death will be held accountable, providing some solace to those mourning his loss.