New Mexico State police have announced that they have identified the suspect responsible for the shooting death of Officer Justin Hare as 33-year-old Jaremy Smith from South Carolina. Smith was driving a car that belonged to another woman who was killed in South Carolina.

During a news conference, State Police Chief Troy Weisler stated that Smith is considered armed and dangerous, and authorities are actively seeking his arrest. The fatal shooting occurred when Officer Hare responded to a call for assistance from a motorist with a flat tire on Interstate 40, west of Tucumcari, at around 5 a.m. on Friday.

According to authorities, Hare parked his patrol car behind the white BMW, and without warning, the suspect approached the passenger side of the patrol car and shot the officer. Shockingly, the suspect then moved to the driver's side, fired another shot at Hare, placed him in the back seat, and fled from the scene in the stolen patrol vehicle.

The State police were alerted to the incident by a distress signal from Hare's radio. Upon arrival, another officer discovered the abandoned patrol car, and further investigation led to the wounded officer being found on a frontage road near the interstate. Hare was rushed to the hospital but was sadly pronounced dead.

In a macabre turn of events, it was revealed that the white BMW was reported missing in South Carolina and belonged to paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore, who was found dead outside of Lake View in Dillon County. Her family had reported her missing the day before. The New Mexico State police are currently in contact with South Carolina authorities to establish any potential connection between Smith and Machado-Fore's death, although no charges have been reported as of yet.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Smith on multiple charges, including first-degree murder, armed robbery, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, tampering with evidence, being a felon possessing a firearm, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and criminal damage to property.

It has also been revealed that Smith has ties to New Mexico, having spent time there in the past. He also has a lengthy criminal history, adding to the urgency in capturing him and bringing him to justice.

Officer Justin Hare, who had been with the State police agency since 2018, leaves behind grieving parents, a devoted girlfriend, and two young children. Their loved ones mourn the loss of a dedicated officer who was born and raised in New Mexico.

The investigation into these tragic events is ongoing, and law enforcement agencies from both New Mexico and South Carolina are working together to bring closure to these cases.