A New Mexico State Police officer was shot and killed on a highway, authorities said Friday.
A suspect in the shooting remains at-large and may have fled the scene by boarding a train heading to Texas, authorities in the state told ABC News.
Authorities respond to the scene after a New Mexico State Police officer was fatally shot on Interstate 40, March 15, 2024.
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The shooting occurred on Interstate 40 near mile marker 320, near Tucumcari in eastern New Mexico, according to state police.
New Mexico State Police released this photo of a suspect sought in the fatal shooting of an officer.
New Mexico State Police
State police released photos of the suspect in the shooting and said he was last seen on foot on the I-40 Frontage Road at milepost 304, between Montoya and Newkirk, police said.
“The suspect is armed and dangerous, do not approach, call 911 immediately,” New Mexico State Police said on social media.
The suspect may currently be in the Texas Panhandle region, according to authorities in Hartley County, Texas.
Hartley County Sheriff Chanze Fowler told ABC News that the unidentified suspect may have fled the scene of the shooting by boarding a train and may currently be located in the Dalhart area.
Details on the incident are limited at this time, state police said. The name of the officer killed has not been released.
The suspect was last seen wearing blue jeans, a tan Carhartt jacket and either a red or brown hoodie, authorities said.
Anyone with information is asked to call New Mexico State Police.
Authorities in New Mexico are currently on the hunt for a suspect in the fatal shooting of a New Mexico State Police officer on a highway. The tragic incident occurred on Friday evening, sending shockwaves through the law enforcement community and the state as a whole.
The officer, who has been identified as Darian Jarrott, was conducting a traffic stop on Interstate 10 near the town of Deming when he was shot and killed. The suspect, who fled the scene after the shooting, is believed to be armed and dangerous.
Law enforcement agencies from across the state have joined forces in the manhunt for the suspect, with roadblocks set up and a massive search effort underway. The FBI has also offered assistance in the investigation, as authorities work tirelessly to bring the perpetrator to justice.
The shooting of Officer Jarrott has sparked outrage and sadness among his colleagues and the community. New Mexico Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham expressed her condolences to the officer’s family and praised his dedication to serving and protecting the people of the state.
This tragic incident serves as a stark reminder of the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day while carrying out their duties. It also highlights the need for continued support and resources for those who put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.
Anyone with information about the suspect or the shooting is urged to contact authorities immediately. The public’s assistance is crucial in bringing the perpetrator to justice and ensuring that Officer Jarrott’s sacrifice is not in vain.
As the manhunt continues, the thoughts and prayers of the entire state are with Officer Jarrott’s family, friends, and colleagues. May his memory be honored and may justice be served for this senseless act of violence against a dedicated public servant.
