West
Utah police officer killed by semi-truck driver during traffic stop identified: ‘Died a hero’
A Utah police officer has been identified after he was killed early Sunday when the driver of a semi-truck allegedly fled a traffic stop and struck the officer on a highway.
Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser, 50, was remembered as a “top-notch officer” and a hero as colleagues and family spoke during an emotional press conference on Monday.
“Just on a personal note, I know everybody says this when an officer gets killed,” said Santaquin Police Chief Rod Hurst, “but Sgt. Hooser was one of those guys that was really squared away.”
Hooser is survived by his wife of 29 years, two daughters and one granddaughter.
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Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser is survived by his wife of 29 years, two daughters and a granddaughter. Hooser began his career in law enforcement eight years ago, and was promoted to sergeant earlier this year. (Santaquin Police Department / Help A Hero)
Hooser’s brother Michael said the family was devastated and thanked the community for showing love and support.
“Nothing could ever make up for the loss we feel,” Michael said. “We take comfort in knowing Bill died a hero, doing the job he loved, serving people he loved.”
Michael said his brother began his career in law enforcement later in life, starting out as an unpaid volunteer. Hurst said Hooser first joined the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico eight years ago before returning to his native Utah and joining the Santaquin Police Department.
Michael Aaron Jayne, 41, was arrested in connection to the fatal traffic stop after authorities say he led officers on a short pursuit in a stolen pickup truck near Vernal, Utah. (Utah Department of Public Safety)
Hooser was killed Sunday while helping a Utah Highway Patrol trooper conduct a traffic stop on a big rig along Interstate 15 after receiving a 911 call reporting an individual on top of the back of a semi-trailer.
The truck driver fled the traffic stop, pulling an abrupt U-turn and intentionally striking Hooser, Hooser’s vehicle and a UHP patrol vehicle, Spanish Fork Police Lt. Cory Slaymaker said. Hooser died at the scene.
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Police identified the truck driver as 41-year-old Michael Aaron Jayne.
Slaymaker said Jayne fled on foot to a nearby convenience store, where he stole another semi-truck. The truck was recovered in Mona, Utah, where the suspect was believed to have stolen a Ford pickup truck. Jayne allegedly drove the stolen pickup to Mt. Pleasant, where he ditched the vehicle and stole another Ford F150 pickup truck.
Jayne crashed a stolen pickup truck, pictured above, before his arrest, police said. Jayne allegedly stole multiple vehicles after authorities say he struck and killed a police officer with a semi-truck during a traffic stop early Sunday. (FOX13 Salt Lake City KSTU)
Jayne was later found near Vernal, about 100 miles from where the fatal traffic stop occurred, driving the stolen pickup truck, police said. After a short chase, police said Jayne crashed the stolen pickup and was taken into custody.
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Police said the investigation remains ongoing.
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LAS VEGAS (FOX5) — Real roads come with real consequences. This summer, the Nevada Department of Public Safety and FOX5 want everyone to Arrive Alive, and that starts with smart choices behind the wheel. Safe driving habits are the best way to prevent crashes. With more teens and first-time drivers hitting the road, the Nevada Department of Public Safety is advising everyone to slow down, stay focused, and look out for each other.
- Stay distraction-free. Distraction plays a role in nearly 6 out of 10 crashes involving teens. The biggest distraction is often other teens in the car, followed by phones and in-car screens. Put the phone away, keep your eyes up, and save the playlist changes for later. Passengers can help too; keep the driver focused, not stressed.
- Don’t speed. Nearly 30% of fatal teen crashes involve speeding, and driving too fast cuts down your reaction time, increases stopping distance, and makes any crash more serious. Stick to the speed limit, slow down when roads or weather change, and leave plenty of space between you and the car ahead.
- Never drive impaired. Impaired driving is still a major problem in Nevada, making up 51% of traffic deaths from 2018 to 2022. If you’ve been drinking or using drugs, don’t drive. Call a trusted adult, use a designated driver, or take a rideshare.
- Buckle up! Every trip. Every seat. Seatbelts greatly reduce the risk of serious injury or death. Everyone in the vehicle, front seat and back, needs to wear one. Put it on every time. It takes seconds and can save your life.
We’re in the middle of the 100 deadliest days of summer please share the road, as even one traffic death is too many. Arrive Alive. That’s the plan. Learn more at ZeroFatalitiesNV.com
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