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New Mexico State Police Officer Shot, Killed Near Tucumcari

Local officials say Officer Justin Hare was killed around 5:30 a.m. while conducting a welfare check on a vehicle pulled over onto the shoulder of the interstate.

by Staff
March 15, 2024
New Mexico State Police Officer Shot, Killed Near Tucumcari

Officer Justin Hare of the New Mexico State Police was shot and killed Friday March 15, 2024.

Credit:

New Mexico State Police


A New Mexico State Police officer was shot and killed Friday morning on Interstate 40 near Tucumcari. As of Friday afternoon, the suspect was at large.

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Local officials say Officer Justin Hare was killed around 5:30 a.m. while conducting a welfare check on a vehicle pulled over onto the shoulder of the interstate.

After shooting the officer, the suspect reportedly fled in the patrol vehicle and crashed, a law enforcement source told KOAT .

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said "other injuries" were sustained during efforts to apprehend the suspect, according to the Albuquerque Journal .


The suspect was last seen on foot between Montoya and Newkirk, according to state police.

Image showing man suspected of killing New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare during the fatal traffic stop. The image was released by police Friday March 15 while the suspect remained at large.

Credit:

New Mexico State Police


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