N.M. State Police Officer Killed During Roadside Welfare Check

March 15, 2024

A New Mexico State Police officer was fatally shot when he was performing a welfare check for a car that was on the shoulder of the interstate outside of Tucumcari.

Joe Vince

A New Mexico State Police officer was killed early Friday during a welfare check on a car on the side of the interstate, and a suspect is still at large.

Officer Justin Hare was checking on a vehicle that was on the shoulder of Interstate 40 outside of Tucumcari in the eastern part of the state, KOAT-TV reports. A suspect fatally shot the officer during the check.

"Scene is still active. Details are limited," stated a New Mexico State Police social media post.

Authorities were searching for the suspect who was last seen in a brown hoodie and jacket. He is considered armed and dangerous.

Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham offered her condolences after she was notified about the shooting.

"I’m heartbroken by the devastating news that State Police Officer Justin Hare was killed in the line of duty while responding to a call near Tucumcari this morning," she stated. "It’s a tragic reminder of the dangers our law enforcement officers face each time they put on a uniform and report for duty."

About the Author

Joe Vince

Joining Endeavor Business Media in 2018, Joe has worked on the company's city services publications. He began working at OFFICER.com as the assistant editor. Before starting at Endeavor, Joe had worked for a variety of print and online news outlets, including the Indianapolis Star, the South Bend Tribune, Reddit and Patch.com.