Featured

Fugitive in NM State Police officer's death shot, captured by Bernalillo County deputies

New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler spoke about the arrest of Jaremy Smith at a press conference near Anderson Hill and Unser on Sunday. Smith is accused of fatally shooting State Police officer Justin Hare.

A portrait of Jaremy Smith, 32, is displayed beside U.S. Attorney for New Mexico Alexander Uballez on Saturday as Public Safety Secretary Jason Bowie gives a briefing following the death of New Mexico State Police officer Justin Hare.

Gregory Hasman Gregory Hasman Gregory Hasman Journal Staff Writer

Published March 17, 2024 - 8:18 a.m. Modified April 22, 2025 - 2:00 a.m.

Fugitive Jaremy Smith was shot multiple times before being arrested Sunday morning after a pursuit in Southwest Albuquerque, BCSO Sheriff John Allen said during a joint press conference with New Mexico State Police.

Smith was wanted in Friday's fatal shooting of New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare.

"Yesterday we said that we would bring him to justice," State Police Chief Troy Weisler said. "We were able to do that."

At about 7 a.m. Sunday, Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office received a call from a Murphy USA employee who told deputies a man fitting Smith's description was seen near the gas station in the 2700 block of Sunshine West Plaza. Deputies later spotted Smith on Unser, Allen said.

A foot pursuit ensued and shots were fired. An unknown number of shots hit Smith, who was then arrested and taken to a local hospital with undisclosed injuries, Allen said.

Deputy Connor Otero told the Journal that information about Smith's injuries and shooting details are being investigated.

No deputies were injured in the shooting and a multi-agency task force is investigating Sunday's incident, according to the Bernalillo County Sheriff's Office.

"The successful capture of Jaremy Smith is a testament to the collaborate efforts of multiple law enforcement agencies and the vigilant citizens of Bernalillo County," BCSO spokeswoman Jayme Fuller said in a statement. "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."

Officers around New Mexico and the Southwest were on high alert searching for Smith after NM State Police Officer Hare was shot and killed Friday along I-40 west of Tucumcari.

In the coming days, Weisler said law enforcement will look to see who may have helped Smith get to Albuquerque.

"We will tirelessly pursue any leads," he said.

While the investigation continues, Weisler said Smith's arrest will give State Police time to mourn the loss of one of its own.

"While our work is not done here, this now gives us the opportunity to take the time for grieving the loss of our officer," he said.

New Mexico State Police's spokesmen left an email message stating that the only updates on the investigation will come from its social media platforms.

"Our priorities right now include the ongoing investigation, the needs of Officer Hare's family and supporting the men and women of the New Mexico State Police as we wrestle with this extremely difficult and heartbreaking death," the email states.