The suspect wanted in the killings of a New Mexico state trooper and a South Carolina paramedic was captured Sunday following a shooting involving law enforcement, authorities said.
The suspect, Jaremy Smith, was taken into custody in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, after leading police on a chase that resulted in a shooting involving at least one deputy from the Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office, according to the New Mexico State Police.
Smith is suspected in the fatal shooting of New Mexico State Police officer Justin Hare early Friday and the slaying of Phonesia Machado-Fore, a South Carolina paramedic who was reported missing on Thursday, authorities said.
The 33-year-old suspect, who was identified on Saturday by police, was the subject of a massive manhunt. New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler had said during a news conference, “Jaremy Smith, we are coming for you.”
New Mexico State Police released this photo of a suspect sought in the fatal shooting of an officer.
New Mexico State Police
Bernalillo County Sheriff’s deputies spotted Smith driving a car in Albuquerque at about 8 a.m. local time, officials said. Smith allegedly led deputies on a chase that ended in his arrest, according to authorities.
“The Bernalillo County Sheriff’s Office is currently in the area of Unser and Anderson Hill for a deputy-involved shooting,” the agency said in a social media post, referring to a neighborhood in southwest Albuquerque. “The Multi-Agency Task Force has initiated an investigation.”
No deputies were injured in the incident, officials said.
Hare was gunned down around 5 a.m. Friday after answering a call to help a disabled motorist on Interstate 40 near Tucumcari, about 235 miles east of Albuquerque near the Texas border, officials said.
When Hare pulled up behind the disabled BMW, the suspect exited the vehicle and approached the officer’s passenger side window, Weisler said.
“A short conversation ensued about repairing his tire and possibly getting a ride back to town when, without warning, the suspect pulled out a firearm and shot Officer Hare,” Weisler said during Saturday’s news conference.
The suspect then walked to the driver’s side of the patrol car and allegedly shot Hare again, Weisler said. He alleged that Smith pushed Hare into the passenger seat and drove off in the patrol car with the mortally wounded officer.
When Hare did not return several attempts to contact him, an officer was sent to the scene and saw Hare’s patrol car driving at a high speed on a frontage road along the Interstate 40 road, Weisler said. Hare managed to set off a distress signal, sending an emergency signal to dispatch, police said.
Police eventually located the patrol car, crashed and empty, Weisler said. Hare was later found critically injured by the side of a road and taken to a hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
During the investigation, police learned the car Smith was driving at the time of the encounter with Hare was registered to Machado-Fore, a paramedic for Florence County, South Carolina, Emergency Medical Services, authorities said.
Machado-Fore was found dead outside of Lake View in Dillon County, South Carolina, on Friday after she had been reported missing by her family, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. An autopsy has been scheduled for Monday.
Smith has an “extensive” criminal history dating back decades in South Carolina and has ties to the Albuquerque area, Weisler said.
Before Smith’s arrest, warrants were issued charging him with Hare’s murder.
Officials have announced that they have captured the suspect in the fatal shooting of a New Mexico State Police officer. The tragic incident occurred during a routine traffic stop on a highway in the state, sending shockwaves through the law enforcement community and the entire state.
The suspect, who has been identified as a 39-year-old man with a history of criminal activity, was apprehended after a massive manhunt that lasted for several days. Law enforcement officials worked tirelessly to track down the suspect, using all available resources and technology to bring him to justice.
The fallen officer, who has been identified as a dedicated and respected member of the New Mexico State Police force, leaves behind a grieving family and colleagues who are mourning his loss. The senseless act of violence has once again highlighted the dangers that law enforcement officers face every day while carrying out their duties to protect and serve their communities.
The capture of the suspect brings some closure to the tragic incident, but it also serves as a stark reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers take on a daily basis. It is a sobering reminder of the sacrifices that these brave men and women make in order to keep our communities safe.
As the investigation into the shooting continues, officials are urging anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in bringing the perpetrator to justice. The support and cooperation of the community are crucial in ensuring that those responsible for such heinous acts are held accountable for their actions.
In the wake of this tragedy, it is important for us to come together as a community to support the family of the fallen officer and to show our appreciation for the men and women who put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe. Our thoughts and prayers are with the family of the fallen officer, and we stand in solidarity with the New Mexico State Police force during this difficult time.
