ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — The man accused of killing New Mexico State Police Officer Justin Hare pleaded not guilty when he appeared in federal court Thursday.

Jaremy Smith entered the plea just over a week after a federal grand jury indicted him on a plethora of charges for allegedly killing Officer Hare.

Police say Hare was killed inside his State Police vehicle on the side of I-40 while trying to help the suspect deal with a flat tire. Smith then took off in the vehicle before crashing it.

For more than two days, law enforcement agencies in New Mexico and surrounding areas looked for him. Then, a Murphy’s gas station employee offered a tip to law enforcement that ultimately led to them capturing Smith in Albuquerque.

Jaremy Smith faces charges of:

• Carjacking resulting in death
• Causing death by the discharge of a firearm during and in relation to a violent crime
• Kidnapping resulting in death
• Being a prohibited person in possession of a firearm
• Possession of a stolen firearm
• Interstate transport of a stolen vehicle

If convicted, Smith could face a mandatory life sentence or death. He is not eligible for parole.

Smith is also charged with murder in South Carolina for allegedly killing a paramedic. He is currently behind bars.

MORE:

• Man accused of killing New Mexico State Police officer charged in paramedic’s murder
• Suspect in NMSP officer’s murder faces federal charges
• Body camera video: Deputies shoot, arrest man accused of killing officer