Utah police officer, Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser, was tragically killed while assisting a Utah Highway Patrol trooper during a traffic stop on a semi-truck. The driver of the truck fled the scene, striking and killing Hooser. A press conference was held where family and colleagues remembered Hooser as a dedicated officer and hero. Hooser, survived by his wife, two daughters, and one granddaughter, had a late start in his law enforcement career, beginning as an unpaid volunteer and eventually joining the Santaquin Police Department after working at the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico.
Hooser’s brother, Michael, expressed the family’s devastation and gratitude for the outpouring of support from the community. Despite the tragic loss, the family finds some solace in the fact that Hooser died doing what he loved and serving the community. The truck driver responsible for Hooser’s death was identified as 41-year-old Michael Aaron Jayne. After fleeing the scene of the fatal collision, Jayne stole multiple vehicles to evade capture, ultimately being found and apprehended near Vernal, Utah, about 100 miles away from the initial incident. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.
The Santaquin community mourns the loss of Sgt. Hooser, who was described as a dedicated and professional officer by colleagues and family. Hooser’s commitment to law enforcement and serving others was evident throughout his career, as he transitioned from a volunteer to a full-time officer. The tragic incident has left a void in the community, but the support and love shown by those around them have helped Hooser’s family cope with the loss. Colleagues remember Hooser as a “top-notch officer” who was respected and admired by everyone who knew him.
The suspect, Michael Aaron Jayne, who fled the scene after striking and killing Sgt. Hooser, led law enforcement on a multi-vehicle chase as he attempted to evade capture. Jayne’s reckless actions not only resulted in Hooser’s death but also endangered the lives of others on the road. Despite his attempts to evade authorities, Jayne was eventually located and taken into custody after crashing a stolen pickup truck. The swift apprehension of Jayne is a testament to the dedication and hard work of law enforcement in ensuring that justice is served in the wake of such a tragic incident.
The tragic death of Sgt. Hooser serves as a stark reminder of the risks that law enforcement officers face on a daily basis while carrying out their duties. The loss of a dedicated officer like Hooser has a profound impact on the community and serves as a somber reminder of the sacrifices that officers make to keep their communities safe. The ongoing investigation into the incident will provide important answers and closure for Hooser’s family, colleagues, and the Santaquin community at large. Ultimately, the memory of Sgt. Hooser will live on through the lives he touched and the impact he made through his service.
