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."
