Police search for suspect in fatal shooting of police officer in eastern New Mexico

TUCUMCARI, N.M. (AP) — Multiple law enforcement agencies searched Friday for the suspect in the fatal shooting of a state police officer killed on Interstate 40 in eastern New Mexico.

The victim was identified as New Mexico state police officer Justin Hare, 35, the governor’s office said in a statement Friday afternoon.

The shooting occurred early Friday morning near mile marker 320, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of the Texas state line, the state Department of Public Safety said.

The suspect was last seen on foot wearing a brown hoodie and jacket on the I-40 Frontage Road between Montoya and Newkirk, about 30 miles (48 kilometers) west of Tucumcari, state police said in a message posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

“The suspect is armed and dangerous, do not approach, call 911 immediately,” police said.

KOAT-TV reported the officer was doing a welfare check on the interstate after spotting a vehicle pulled over onto the shoulder of the traffic lanes before the shooting occurred.

New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham said in a statement: “It’s a tragic reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face each time they put on a uniform and report for duty.”

Cabinet Secretary Jason Bowie said it was a “sacrifice no one should have to make.”

“Officer Hare will never be forgotten, and his sacrifice safeguarding our state is worthy of the highest honors,” he said.

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