A man suspected of being involved in the deaths of a New Mexico state trooper and a South Carolina paramedic was apprehended on Sunday following a confrontation with law enforcement officers, according to authorities.
The individual in question, identified as Jaremy Smith, was taken into custody in Bernalillo County, N.M., after a pursuit on foot resulted in Smith sustaining gunshot wounds inflicted by at least one deputy, as per New Mexico State Police reports.
Smith is believed to be connected to the fatal shooting of New Mexico State Police officer Justin Hare early Friday and the killing of Phonesia Machado-Fore, a South Carolina paramedic who was reported missing on Thursday, authorities stated.
The 33-year-old Smith was singled out by law enforcement officials on Saturday, triggering an extensive search operation. His apprehension occurred within a day of New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler’s declaration: “Jaremy Smith, we are coming for you.”
Arrest Made in New Mexico State Trooper Killing Suspect Case (Credits: UPI)
During a press briefing on Sunday announcing Smith’s capture, Weisler stated, “Yesterday, we said we would bring Jaremy Smith to justice. There was nowhere that he could run, and there was nowhere he could hide.” He further expressed gratitude to the community and law enforcement partners, acknowledging their role in the successful operation.
According to Bernalillo County Sheriff John Allen, a clerk at a gas station in Albuquerque recognized an individual matching Smith’s description around 7 a.m. local time on Sunday and promptly alerted the authorities. Upon arrival at the scene, officers observed Smith walking along a road in a residential area and initiated efforts to establish a perimeter.
Sheriff Allen elaborated, “A foot pursuit ensued, shots were fired. Some shots struck Smith. We don’t know the amount right now or how many. That’s still under investigation.” Smith was subsequently transported to a nearby hospital for treatment under guard.
Allen commended the collaborative efforts of federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, emphasizing their unified approach in ensuring the capture of someone deemed dangerous to the public and communities at large.
