New Mexico State Police, New Mexico
End of Watch Friday, March 15, 2024
Add to My HeroesJustin Hare
Patrolman Justin Hare was shot and killed at about 5:30 am while conducting a welfare check on a disabled vehicle that was stopped near mile marker 320 on I-40, west of Tucumcari.
As Patrolman Hare stopped behind the vehicle, the driver exited and walked to the cruiser's passenger window. The two had a short discussion, and as Patrolman Hare offered to drive the man into town, the subject suddenly produced a handgun and shot him. He shot him a second time before pushing him into the passenger seat. He then abducted him and stole the patrol car, abandoning it approximately 16 miles away and fleeing on foot.
Patrolman Hare was taken to a local hospital where he succumbed to his wounds two hours later.
Unbeknownst to Patrolman Hare, the man was the suspect in the murder of an off-duty paramedic in South Carolina several days earlier. The car he was driving belonged to the murder victim. The subject was arrested two days later after exchanging gunfire with a Bernalillo County sheriff's deputy.
Patrolman Hare had served with the New Mexico State Police for six years. He is survived by his girlfriend, two children, mother, father, and brother.
Bio
- Age 35
- Tour 6 years
- Badge Not available
Incident Details
- Cause Gunfire
- Weapon Handgun
- Offender In custody
Contact
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Most Recent Reflection
View all 144 ReflectionsMy brother rest in peace! I am glad to have shared all the laughs and triumphs with you throughout the beginning of my career with New Mexico State Police you showed me what it is to be patient and dedicated every time we worked together. I truly feel blessed to have shared my time and memories with you.
I remember the times we went to calls together and many welfare checks and public assists and seeing how you went out of your way every time to help people using your own tools, I will truly cherish all the memories we had together including the ones were we would go spend time together eating breakfast, lunch or dinner during our shift together .
I am glad to have shared a hug together before I went to a different assignment. Justin you went above and beyond and were a loving family man and dedicated State Police Officer I truly believe you were an angel sent from heaven to make an impact on all of our lives! Thank you conejo
J. Martinez Patrolman
New Mexico State police
May 17, 2024
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