SANTAQUIN, UT – A tragic incident unfolded in the early hours of Sunday when a semi-truck driver allegedly fled a traffic stop and fatally struck a Utah police officer. The officer, Sgt. Bill Hooser, 50, served with the Santaquin Police Department and was hailed as a “hero” and an exceptional officer.
During a press conference on Monday, colleagues and family members paid their respects to Hooser. Santaquin Police Chief Rod Hurst expressed his deep sorrow, describing Hooser as an officer who was always prepared and dedicated to his duties.
Hooser’s family, including his wife of nearly three decades, two daughters, and a granddaughter, are mourning their loss. His brother Michael conveyed the family’s grief and thanked the community for their outpouring of support. He stated, “We take solace in the fact that Bill died a hero, doing what he loved, serving the people he loved.”
Hooser’s journey in law enforcement began eight years ago as a volunteer. He first served with the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office in New Mexico before returning to his home state of Utah to join the Santaquin Police Department. He had been promoted to sergeant earlier this year.
The fatal incident took place on Interstate 15 while Hooser was assisting a Utah Highway Patrol trooper with a traffic stop on a semi-truck. The driver, identified as Michael Aaron Jayne, 41, allegedly made an abrupt U-turn, hitting Hooser and two patrol vehicles before fleeing the scene. Hooser was pronounced dead at the scene.
Jayne was later captured near Vernal, Utah, driving a stolen pickup truck. He allegedly stole multiple vehicles after fleeing the scene of the fatal traffic stop. The investigation into the incident continues.