A Utah police officer was killed Sunday after a semi-truck driver struck the officer's vehicle during a traffic stop, setting off an hours-long manhunt that ended with the driver's arrest.
Tragedy struck the Utah law enforcement community on Sunday, May 6, when a Santaquin police officer was killed after being struck by a semi-truck driver who was attempting to flee a traffic stop.
The incident unfolded around 6:00 a.m. when a 911 call reported a person standing on the back of a big rig's trailer on Interstate 15. A Santaquin police officer and a Utah Highway Patrol (UHP) trooper responded to the call and located the semi approximately 30 minutes later.
As the officers approached the truck, the driver attempted to escape by driving north a short distance and then turning around to drive the wrong way down the roadway towards the officers. The truck driver then struck the Santaquin officer, the officer's vehicle, and a UHP patrol vehicle, killing the Santaquin officer on the scene.
The name of the deceased officer has not been released by authorities, but Santaquin Police Lieutenant Mike Wall expressed the profound grief felt by the department and the fallen officer's family. "Our entire department is hurt, and the family of the officer is hurt," Wall said at a press conference. "Because of a senseless act by one individual, we have family members who will miss their father at their nearing wedding. But I can assure you that we as a police department will stand up and will be there, and we are one family."
The truck driver, identified as Michael Aaron Jayne, 41, fled the scene on foot and was suspected of stealing multiple vehicles during his attempt to evade capture. Police issued a warning that Jayne may be armed and dangerous.
Jayne was eventually apprehended near Vernal, Utah, driving a stolen white Ford F150 that had been reported missing from Sanpete County. After a brief chase, Jayne crashed the stolen pickup and was taken into custody.
Authorities are still investigating the incident, including the identity of the individual who was riding on top of the semi's trailer. Governor Spencer Cox expressed his condolences and gratitude for law enforcement officers in a social media post. "Devastating news from our law enforcement community this morning," the governor wrote. "Please keep this officer's family in your prayers. Our hearts are broken and we give our unending gratitude to all those who protect and serve."
The incident has deeply saddened the community of Santaquin and beyond. The town of approximately 14,000 residents is located about 65 miles south of Salt Lake City and mourns the loss of one of its protectors. The tragedy serves as a poignant reminder of the risks and sacrifices made by law enforcement officers who serve their communities with unwavering dedication.
