In a tragic incident that unfolded on Friday, a police officer was shot and killed in New Mexico. The New Mexico State Police (NMSP) have now identified the suspect as Jaremy Smith, a 32-year-old resident of Marion, South Carolina.

According to NMSP Chief Troy Weisler, the incident occurred around 5 a.m. on Friday when Officer Justin Hare responded to a call for assistance with a flat tire on I-40 near mile marker 320, west of Tucumcari. Officer Hare parked behind the stranded vehicle, a white BMW, when Smith approached the officer's passenger-side window.

In a shocking turn of events, Smith allegedly pulled out a firearm without warning and shot Officer Hare. Ignoring the officer's offer for a ride, Smith proceeded to shoot Hare a second time after moving to the driver's side of the patrol car. Chief Weisler further revealed that Smith then forced Officer Hare into the passenger seat and fled the scene in the stolen patrol car.

Subsequently, law enforcement found the crashed patrol car on the side of the road, but Officer Hare was not inside. After an extensive search, Officer Hare's body was discovered on a frontage road near milepost 312. Despite immediate medical attention, he was pronounced dead at the hospital later that morning.

Expressing his deep sorrow, Chief Weisler shared that Officer Hare's final act was offering assistance to the man who would ultimately take his life. He condemned Smith's actions as those of a "cold-blooded murderer" and vowed relentless efforts to bring him to justice.

Currently, authorities are actively pursuing Smith, who is considered armed and dangerous. Given his previous connections to the Albuquerque area, the search is concentrated in that region. NMSP 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.

Further investigations revealed that the white BMW used by Smith belonged to a woman named Phonesia Machado-Fore, who was found dead in South Carolina. Machado-Fore, a paramedic, was identified as the owner of the vehicle.

Tragically, Officer Hare's death marks the first loss of a New Mexico State Police Officer in the line of duty since Officer Darrian Jarrott in February 2021. Chief Weisler expressed deep sorrow for the loss, highlighting that Officer Hare died while serving both his state and his community.

In light of the ongoing manhunt, authorities urge members of the community to exercise caution and avoid approaching Smith, considering him armed and dangerous. Anyone with relevant information pertaining to this case is requested to contact NMSP, dial 911, or reach out to Crime Stoppers at 505-843-7867.