Billy Dean Hooser, often referred to as Sgt. Bill Hooser, was an American police officer with the Santaquin Police Department in Utah. He was killed in the line of duty on 5 May 2024 after being struck by a tractor-trailer during a traffic stop on Interstate 15.
Michael Aaron Jayne was charged with aggravated murder and other offences in connection with Hooser's death. Prosecutors alleged that Jayne drove into Hooser while fleeing from police.
Personal Life
Hooser was born on 18 December 1973 in Cleburne, Texas. His obituary states that his family moved to Utah in 1984 and that he later married Kinda Edwards in 1995.
He was survived by his wife, two daughters and a granddaughter. Public memorials described him as a family-focused person with interests in the outdoors, carpentry and community service.
Law Enforcement Career
Hooser began law-enforcement work in New Mexico, where he served with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office. He joined the Santaquin Police Department in Utah in 2017.
During his Santaquin career he served as corporal, detective and sergeant. The Utah Law Enforcement Memorial states that he had served seven years with Santaquin Police and had previously served two years with the San Juan County Sheriff's Office.
Line of Duty Death
On 5 May 2024, police stopped a semitrailer on I-15 after reports of a person on the back of the vehicle. Hooser and a Utah Highway Patrol trooper were involved in the stop.
Authorities alleged that Jayne fled, turned the tractor-trailer around and drove the wrong way before striking Hooser and police vehicles. Hooser died at the scene. Jayne was arrested later after fleeing and stealing vehicles.
Criminal Case
Jayne was charged with aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, kidnapping, vehicle theft and other offences. Associated Press reported that prosecutors alleged Jayne had been holding a woman against her will before the stop and later drove at officers while trying to escape.
The case continued through the courts after the charges were filed. Later reporting said prosecutors intended to seek the death penalty.
Memorial
Hooser's funeral service was held on 13 May 2024 at Utah Valley University. Public tributes described him as Santaquin's first line-of-duty police death.
The Utah Law Enforcement Memorial lists his end of watch as 5 May 2024 and classifies the death as a vehicle homicide.
References
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