Santaquin police officer killed in semi-truck hit-and-run

A police cruiser outside the Santaquin police station to honor Sgt. Bill Hooser. Photo: Santaquin City Fire/EMS via Facebook

SANTAQUIN, Utah — A man is in police custody after allegedly striking and killing a Santaquin police officer with a semi-truck on Sunday, May 5.

According to a press release from the Utah Department of Public Safety, the Utah Highway Patrol Richmond office received a report at approximately 5:56 a.m. of an individual standing on the back of a semi-truck trailer traveling northbound on I-15.

A Santaquin police officer and UHP trooper responded to the call and were able to locate the semi near mile 244 of I-15 at 6:27 a.m. where they conducted a traffic stop.

“During the traffic stop the driver of the semi fled and drove northbound a short distance, turned around the wrong way, then struck the Santquin Officer, his vehicle, and a UHP patrol vehicle,” said a statement from Utah DPS. “The Santaquin Officer died on scene after being struck by the semi.”

The Santaquin police officer has been identified as Sgt. Bill Hooser. According to a GoFundMe to benefit Hooser’s family, he leaves behind a wife and two daughters.

The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Michael Aaron Jayne, fled the scene on foot before stealing a White Ford F150, prompting a shelter in place order in Santaquin.

Jayne was caught and taken into custody at approximately 12:17 p.m. Sunday in Vernal after the stolen vehicle was crashed during a police pursuit.