Utah Truck Driver Accused of Killing Police Officer After Fleeing Traffic Stop in Stolen Semi

A Utah police officer was killed after a semi-truck driver allegedly fled a traffic stop and drove toward officers on the wrong side of Interstate 15, triggering a manhunt that stretched more than 150 miles.

The incident occurred on May 5, 2024, near Santaquin, Utah. Authorities identified the driver as Michael Aaron Jayne, who was arrested later that day after allegedly stealing additional vehicles while attempting to escape.

A Routine Traffic Stop Turns Deadly

The incident began around 6 a.m., when authorities received a 911 call reporting someone standing on the back of a moving semi-truck trailer on Interstate 15.

A Santaquin police officer and a Utah Highway Patrol trooper located the truck approximately 30 minutes later and initiated a traffic stop.

According to investigators, the driver initially stopped but then attempted to flee. He drove north for a short distance before turning around and traveling the wrong way toward the officers.

The semi-truck struck the Santaquin officer, his patrol vehicle and the highway patrol vehicle. The officer died at the scene.

Authorities later identified the fallen officer as Sgt. Bill Hooser, 50, a veteran of the Santaquin Police Department.

Suspect Flees as Manhunt Spreads Across Utah

After the collision, Jayne allegedly abandoned the semi-truck and fled on foot. Investigators said he was suspected of stealing multiple vehicles as he tried to avoid capture.

Law enforcement agencies issued warnings that he might be armed and dangerous while officers searched for him.

The search eventually led authorities to the area near Vernal, more than 150 miles from the original traffic stop. Police located Jayne driving a white Ford F-150 pickup truck that had been reported stolen.

After a brief pursuit, the pickup crashed and officers took Jayne into custody. The arrest brought the hours-long manhunt to an end.

Investigators Reveal More About the Incident

Court documents later described a disturbing series of events preceding the fatal encounter. According to the Associated Press, Jayne had allegedly threatened a woman with a knife and bear spray and held her against her will inside his semi-trailer following an argument at a truck stop.

The woman reportedly escaped and sought help, prompting the response that led officers to locate the truck.

Investigators alleged that Jayne fled when officers attempted to stop him and deliberately drove toward them. The woman and another officer were also reportedly placed at risk during the incident.

Authorities continued investigating the circumstances surrounding the confrontation and the alleged vehicle thefts.

A Police Department Mourns Its Fallen Officer

Hooser’s death devastated the Santaquin Police Department and his family. During a news conference, department officials struggled to describe the loss of a colleague who had been killed while performing his duties.

The department emphasized its commitment to supporting Hooser’s family and honoring his service.

Utah Gov. Spencer Cox also expressed condolences, describing the news as devastating for the state’s law enforcement community.

Serious Charges Follow the Arrest

Jayne was arrested on May 5, 2024. Authorities said he faced allegations related to the officer’s death, kidnapping, burglary, vehicle theft and fleeing from law enforcement. The Associated Press reported that prosecutors were pursuing an aggravated murder case.

The investigation brought together multiple agencies across Utah as authorities worked to document the events leading up to Hooser’s death.

The case illustrates how a reported emergency involving a moving truck escalated into a fatal encounter and a multijurisdictional manhunt. The allegations against Jayne must be distinguished from any findings ultimately established in court.

Sources: FOXNEWS