A suspect in the shooting death of a New Mexico state police officer was apprehended on Sunday in the Albuquerque area following a tip from a gas station clerk, according to authorities.
Jaremy Smith, a 33-year-old individual from Marion, South Carolina, was detained by the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office in the southwestern part of Albuquerque after the clerk alerted law enforcement about a man matching Smith's description, Sheriff John Allen revealed during a brief press briefing.
Authorities in South Carolina have labeled Smith as a person of interest in the murder of a local paramedic, whose stolen vehicle was linked to the fatal shooting of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare on Friday along Interstate 40 west of Tucumcari.
Allen mentioned that Smith was discovered walking on the outskirts of a residential area and sustained gunshot wounds during a foot chase with officers. He was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for medical attention while under police supervision. No details regarding his medical condition were provided.
"A foot pursuit ensued," Allen explained. "Shots were fired. Some shots hit Smith, but we are still investigating the exact number. Nevertheless, Smith was apprehended without further issues."
State Police Chief Provides Update on Investigation
The State Police Chief, Troy Weisler, announced that an investigation is currently in its early stages regarding the movements of Smith following the fatal shooting of Officer Hare. The recent detention of Smith on Sunday provides an opportunity for the community to start the grieving process for the officer. Weisler, along with Allen, refrained from discussing potential criminal charges and withheld additional details.
"Everything is really preliminary right now on the investigation, so we're not going to get into any of the details," stated Weisler.
According to authorities, Officer Hare was responding to assist a motorist with a flat tire on I-40 around 5 a.m. on Friday. Upon parking behind the motorist's white BMW, a man exited the vehicle, approached the patrol car from the passenger side, and shot Officer Hare without warning. The suspect then proceeded to the driver's side, shot Hare once more, and ultimately fled the scene in the patrol vehicle after pushing the officer into the back seat.
Sheriff Wallace Expresses Relief Over Smith's Detention
Marion County Sheriff, Brian Wallace, expressed his relief upon learning about the detention of Smith on Sunday.
"The apprehension of Jaremy Smith brings a sense of relief to many of us here in Marion County," expressed Wallace in a Facebook post. "As of now, Jaremy Smith has not been charged by the Marion County Sheriff's Office and will be held in the custody of New Mexico State Police to address the charges."
Efforts to reach the public defenders' office in New Mexico were unsuccessful, leaving it uncertain whether Smith has legal representation.
