By Joanna Putman
Police1
SANTAQUIN, Utah — The Utah officer killed when he was rammed by a trucker fleeing a traffic stop has been identified as Sgt. Bill Hooser of the Santaquin Police Department, KUTV reported.
Sgt. Hooser was killed on May 5 when Michael Aaron Jayne, driving a stolen semi-truck, struck him during a traffic stop, according to the report. The incident unfolded as Hooser and a Utah Highway Patrol trooper investigated a report of a person on the back of the semi.
“Bill started his law enforcement career journey as a volunteer; it was a decision he made. He wanted to and it’s something he loved to do,” said Michael Hooser, Sgt. Hooser’s brother, during an emotional conference. He described Sgt. Hooser’s dedication to his job and his profound impact on the community.
The community and law enforcement family expressed deep sorrow and support for Hooser’s family, who are mourning the “senseless loss” of a husband, father and grandfather who died “doing the job he loved.”
“He was a top-notch officer. It’s going to be hard to replace him,” Santaquin Police Chief Rodney Hurst said.
Jayne fled the scene, eventually stealing another semi-truck and a pickup truck before being captured in Vernal after a high-speed pursuit and crash, according to the report.
The incident is under active investigation, with several locations still being examined by Utah police departments.
Jayne has a history of similar offenses, including a conviction of attempted assault in the first degree when he tried to run over an Oregon State Police trooper in 2009.
Jayne was also charged with one count of attempted aggravated murder connected to the 2009 incident, but he was not convicted, KUTV reports.