New Details Emerge in Deadly Traffic Stop
Newly released court documents shed light on the tragic incident that claimed the life of Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser on May 5th. The suspect, truck driver Michael Aaron Jayne (42), is now revealed to have been holding a woman against her will before the fatal encounter with Officer Hooser.
Officer Killed During Traffic Stop
Jayne, from Garrett, Indiana, faces charges of aggravated murder, kidnapping, burglary, vehicle theft, and resisting arrest. These charges stem from a traffic stop where Jayne allegedly drove his truck into Sgt. Hooser, who died at the scene while attempting to assist a woman who had escaped from the truck.
Sgt. Hooser’s passing has deeply impacted the community. A public funeral on Monday served as a time for friends, family, colleagues, and state officials to honor his service and sacrifice.
Kidnapping and Escape
According to a police affidavit, Jayne was holding the woman captive inside the sleeper compartment of his semi-trailer when Officer Hooser initiated the traffic stop.
The affidavit details how the woman managed to escape the truck and ran to Officer Hooser for help. She later told police that she had initially been riding with Jayne willingly, but an argument at a truck stop in Beaver, Utah led to Jayne initially driving off without her. Fearing for her safety, she refused to get back in the truck, prompting Jayne to threaten her with a knife and bear spray until she complied.
Deadly Encounter and Manhunt
When another officer, Trooper Nicholas Griffiths, approached the vehicle, Jayne locked the door and sped off. The affidavit describes a harrowing escape attempt by the woman and Officer Griffiths as Jayne made a U-turn and accelerated towards them, striking Officer Hooser with the truck and pinning him against a patrol car.
Jayne then continued his rampage, attempting to hit the woman and Trooper Griffiths before ultimately abandoning the vehicle and stealing a series of other trucks in a desperate bid to escape. He was eventually apprehended at a vacant house in Mt. Pleasant.
Troubled Past Comes to Light
The court documents reveal a disturbing history behind Jayne. His criminal record stretches back over two decades, including a 2009 incident in Oregon where he attempted to run down a state trooper with his vehicle. He served a prison sentence for that crime, but it seems past actions did not prevent this recent tragedy.
