New Mexico State Police officer shot and killed by driver he tried to help, said police

Authorities said a New Mexico State Police trooper was tragically shot “in cold blood” early Friday after offering to help a disabled driver, who shot the officer twice and drove off with his patrol car.

New Mexico State Police issued an arrest warrant for 32-year-old Marion, South Carolina resident Jaremy Smith, the “armed and dangerous” man wanted in the alleged Interstate 40 ambush that murdered Officer Justin Hare.

“On a cold, dark and windy morning, he offered help to a person he thought was in need,” State Police Chief Troy Weisler said Saturday at a news conference, choking up with emotion. “That person killed him in cold blood. The last words Officer Hare uttered on this earth was to offer help to a man who was about to kill him.”

According to Weisler's Friday video message, Hare was called to help a motorist with a flat tire who was waving down other drivers on the interstate near Tucumcari in eastern New Mexico about 5 a.m.

Authorities say the damaged vehicle was a white BMW owned by a South Carolina first responder who was found dead Friday evening. A Monday autopsy has been arranged by the Marion County Sheriff's Office in South Carolina.

Hare parked behind Smith's disabled car when he came. Weisler stated Smith approached Hare's passenger window.

“A short conversation ensued about repairing his tire, and Officer Hare offered to give the suspect a ride to town,” Weisler said.

Weisler said Smith pulled out a gun and shot Hare without warning, then proceeded to the driver's side and shot the officer again before shoving Hare into the passenger seat and driving away in the patrol vehicle. Weisler reported the car was abandoned shortly after.

Authorities charged Smith with first-degree murder, armed robbery, shooting at or from a motor vehicle, tampering with evidence, felon in possession of a handgun, unlawful taking of a motor vehicle, and criminal damage to property.