Authorities in New Mexico have successfully apprehended 33-year-old Jaremy Smith following a series of tragic events that led to the deaths of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare and South Carolina paramedic Phonesia Machado-Fore. Smith, originating from South Carolina, was detained in the Albuquerque area after a tip-off led to a foot chase and a subsequent shootout with law enforcement officers. He has been taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The incident began to unfold after Officer Hare was fatally shot along I-40 while attempting to assist a motorist with a flat tire. Without provocation, Smith allegedly fired at Hare, subsequently shooting him again, placing his body in the back seat of the officer’s patrol car, and fleeing the scene in a stolen BMW. This vehicle was later identified as belonging to Machado-Fore, who was found deceased in South Carolina. The discovery of her stolen car in Smith’s possession connected him to both tragic incidents.

Smith has an extensive criminal record in South Carolina and is now considered a key suspect in the murder of Machado-Fore as well as the killing of Officer Hare. New Mexico State Police, alongside expressing condolences to the families of both victims, have committed to exhaustive investigations to bring those responsible to justice, including any potential accomplices who may have assisted Smith.

The details concerning Smith’s legal representation are currently unknown, and investigations are continuing as authorities piece together the circumstances leading to these tragic events.