(RepublicanNews.org) – A 33-year-old man wanted in connection with the murder of a paramedic and a police officer has been arrested thanks to a tip-off made by a gas station clerk in Albuquerque, New Mexico. Officers captured Jaremy Smith after a two-day manhunt when the clerk’s report of a man matching his description helped officers to pinpoint his location. Police officers were able to set up a perimeter in the nearby area before pursuing Smith on foot. During the chase, Smith was non-fatally shot by the police, who were then able to take him into custody.
Smith is classed as a person of interest in the murder of 52-year-old paramedic, Phonesia Machado-Fore, whose body was found in nearby Dillon County, New Mexico on Friday, March 15th, a day after her family had reported her missing. It was her white BMW car that Smith had allegedly been driving when approached by Officer Justin Hare, 35, early on Friday morning. Hare, a father of two, had been sent to help a driver with a flat tire on Interstate 40 at approximately 5 am. According to the police, Smith had been the driver attempting to flag down passing motorists for help before Hare pulled over behind the BMW.
Smith is alleged to have walked over to the passenger side of Hare’s patrol car where they had a brief conversation about changing the tire, and then without warning, Smith allegedly shot Hare. Smith is then reported to have walked to the driver’s side, shot the officer again, and shoved the injured man into the passenger seat before driving the patrol car away. Hare was able to send a call for help and another officer pursued the vehicle until it crashed. Smith is reported to have fled on foot and Hare was taken to hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Smith has a long criminal history in South Carolina, including charges of motor theft, armed robbery, rioting in jail, and taking hostages. He now faces several charges, including first-degree murder, armed robbery, and possessing a firearm while a convicted felon.
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