Accident – Death – Obituary News :
Marion County, S.C. Man Arrested for Killing Police Officer in New Mexico
A Pee Dee man, identified as 32-year-old Jaremy Smith from Marion County, South Carolina, has been taken into custody by the New Mexico State Police. Smith is accused of fatally shooting a police officer in Bernalillo County, New Mexico, following a chase involving deputies.
(New Mexico State Police)
Details of the Incident
The New Mexico State Police have not released specific details about the shooting that led to the death of 35-year-old officer Justin Hare. However, further information is expected to be disclosed later today.
According to the NMSPD, Smith, the suspect, approached Officer Hare’s patrol car on the passenger side after the officer had arrived at the scene where a vehicle needed assistance with a flat tire on I-40.
In a video shared on social media, New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler recounted the tragic event where Smith unexpectedly pulled out a firearm and shot Officer Hare multiple times before fleeing the scene.
(Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham)
Search for the Suspect
After the shooting, Smith allegedly forced Officer Hare into the passenger seat of the patrol car and drove off. The abandoned patrol car was later discovered, and Smith reportedly fled the scene on foot. A manhunt ensued, but Smith eluded capture.
Officer Hare was eventually found on a frontage road near the interstate and rushed to a hospital, where he tragically succumbed to his injuries. Chief Weisler described Hare as a dedicated officer survived by his parents, girlfriend, and two young children.
Connection to Pee Dee Paramedic’s Death
The incident in New Mexico is linked to the recent discovery of the body of Pee Dee paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore in Dillon County. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Machado-Fore’s body was found near Lake View, and an autopsy is scheduled to determine the cause of death.
(Williamsburg County Sheriff’s Office)
Machado-Fore’s white BMW was located at the scene of Officer Hare’s shooting, and the Marion County Sheriff’s Office has identified Smith as a person of interest in her death. The community mourns the loss of a dedicated first responder, and authorities are committed to bringing those responsible to justice.
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