03/17/2024
𝐃𝐞𝐩𝐮𝐭𝐲-𝐈𝐧𝐯𝐨𝐥𝐯𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐨𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠: 𝐂𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐅𝐮𝐠𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐯𝐞 𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐞𝐝 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐌𝐮𝐫𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐌𝐞𝐱𝐢𝐜𝐨 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐭𝐞 𝐏𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐞 𝐎𝐟𝐟𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐫
Today, the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office successfully ended the manhunt for a suspect responsible for the murder of a South Carolina woman and the tragic killing of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare. Jaremy Alexander Smith, the individual linked to this series of violent crimes, was apprehended following a deputy-involved shooting.
𝐁𝐚𝐜𝐤𝐠𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝: On the morning of March 15, 2024, Officer Hare was dispatched to assist a motorist along Interstate 40. The motorist, Jaremy Alexander Smith, engaged Officer Hare in conversation before fatally shooting him and fleeing the scene in the officer's patrol vehicle. After a state-wide alert and a two-day intensive search, New Mexico State Police released the identity of the suspect, Jaremy Smith, alongside his extensive criminal history and warned that he was armed and dangerous.
𝐓𝐨𝐝𝐚𝐲'𝐬 𝐀𝐩𝐩𝐫𝐞𝐡𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐢𝐨𝐧: On March 17, 2024, Bernalillo County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report from a vigilant store clerk at a Murphys Gas Station located at 2730 Sunshine W Plaza Dr in Albuquerque, NM. The clerk's description matched that of Jaremy Smith. Deputies located Smith walking on Unser and established a perimeter in a nearby residential neighborhood in the area of Dennis Chavez Blvd and Unser. A foot pursuit ensued, and shots were fired, striking Smith who was then taken into custody without further incident. Smith was transported to an area hospital where he is being treated for his injuries.
We are deeply relieved to report that no deputies were harmed during the apprehension. The quick actions and bravery of the involved deputies brought a swift conclusion to a search that weighed heavily on our community and law enforcement colleagues.
The successful capture of Jaremy Smith is a testament to the collaborative efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies and the vigilant citizens of Bernalillo County. We are grateful that his rampage has come to an end, and it serves as a solemn reminder of the dangers faced by law enforcement everyday.
The Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office extends its deepest condolences to the family of Officer Justin Hare and to the New Mexico State Police for their loss. We also stand with the family of Phenesia Machado-Fore in their time of grief.
This incident is now under investigation by the Multi-Agency Task Force, as is protocol for any deputy-involved shooting. We assure the public that this will be a thorough and transparent process.
Investigative journalist
