The person suspected of shooting a New Mexico state police officer is also being looked at in connection with the death of a South Carolina paramedic found dead in Dillon County, South Carolina, on Friday night.
Phonesia Machado-Fore's car was discovered in New Mexico, where it is believed that 32-year-old Smith shot Officer Justin Hare, 35, as Hare was assisting a car with a flat tire on Interstate 40 on Friday. WMBF reported. New Mexico State Police Chief Troy Weisler stated that Smith came up to Hare's patrol car on the passenger side and Hare offered him a ride into town.
“Then, without warning, the suspect pulled out a firearm and shot Officer Hare,” said Weisler. “The suspect then walked to the driver’s side and shot Officer Hare again.”
Smith forced the officer into the passenger seat and drove away in the patrol car, which was later found abandoned. Smith reportedly ran away on foot and has not been found.
Hare was discovered on a frontage road nearby and was taken to a hospital, where he passed away.
Machado-Fore, a paramedic from Florence County, was reported missing earlier in the week, and her car was later found in New Mexico.
“Mrs. Fore was one of us, a fellow first responder,” stated Marion County Sheriff Brian Wallace. “Her death is senseless. Our community has suffered a tremendous loss. My team and I will not stop until we bring the person or persons responsible for her death to justice.”
An autopsy is set for Monday.
Officials warned that Smith should be considered armed and dangerous. WBMF reported on an extensive criminal history, which included an escape from prison.
New Mexico officials mentioned that he had ties to Albuquerque but did not give any specifics.
[Featured image: Phonesia Machado-Fore/Marion County Sheriff’s Office; Jaremy Smith and Justin Hare/New Mexico State Police]