Patrolman Justin Hare, New Mexico State Police, New Mexico

Patrolman Justin Hare

New Mexico State Police, New Mexico

End of Watch Friday, March 15, 2024

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Justin 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

disabled motorist, murder suspect, stolen vehicle

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Most Recent Reflection

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Officer hare, i am deeply sorry for what happened on that morning almost a year ago. Since the 1 year anniversary of your passing is approaching, i thought it'd be best to write a reflection. Hare, that man who took your life is the definition of pure evil, as he was truly a cold-hearted and horrible person. His actions will never be justified in any way shape or form. From what i can tell, you were just trying to help a stranded motorist on the side of the highway, since i can tell it was in your character to assist and help anyone in need as it was your job as an officer. But however, that man did not last long, as your brothers in blue avenged you in death, and caught him, as his fate will approach soon. That video of your stop has stuck with me ever since i saw it, as it proved to me that even the simplest approach can be deadly, and it showed me that some people are truly cruel and cold-hearted to hurt an officer who was doing their job and taking the time out of their shift to assist someone. It never made sense to me why some people would hurt anyone or an officer that was trying to help, but that individual who took your life away proved to be the example of pure human trash. But rest assured, that man will absolutely not see the light of day again, as karma will take its sweet time to catch up to him and make him pay for what he did to you. But as of now, may you rest in peace knowing your service is truly appreciated, and that you were a good man, a good officer, and a good father. Rest easy Mr. Hare

Morgan, a civilian supporter of the blue line

March 1, 2025