PROVO, Utah — A preliminary hearing commenced on Tuesday for Michael Aaron Jayne, the man accused of killing Santaquin Police Sergeant Bill Hooser in a tragic incident that unfolded over a year and a half ago. Jayne faces several serious charges, including aggravated murder, attempted aggravated murder, and theft, linked to the events that transpired on May 5, 2024, when Sgt. Hooser was struck by a semi-truck driven by Jayne. The courtroom was filled with witnesses and law enforcement officials who recounted the harrowing details surrounding the case, painting a vivid picture of the events leading up to the sergeant’s untimely death. The prosecution outlined the case by identifying five distinct crime scenes that spanned multiple locations across Utah, including a stretch of Interstate 15, a Maverik convenience store, and areas in Mona, Mt. Pleasant, and Vernal-Roosevelt. These locations serve as critical points in the timeline of events that led to the fatal encounter between Jayne and Sgt. Hooser. Trooper Dustin Griffiths, a commercial safety inspector who was on duty that day, was among the first witnesses to take the stand. Griffiths described receiving a call from Richfield dispatch about a reckless semi-truck that reportedly had a person on its back. Following the provided description, he spotted a gray semi with a white trailer traveling northbound on I-15 and observed that a Santaquin police officer, later identified as Sgt. Hooser, was already following the truck. As the two officers approached the vehicle for a traffic stop, Griffiths recalled the tense moments that unfolded. "I activated my lights so we could continue through the intersection and conduct a traffic stop," he explained. Upon approaching the truck, Jayne was uncooperative, and it became evident that he was under distress, allegedly believing that the motorcycle gang 'Hell's Angels' was pursuing him. Griffiths recounted seeing Jayne's girlfriend, Christine Hinckley, emerge from the sleeper berth of the semi, where she had been resting. During her testimony, Hinckley admitted to using drugs earlier that day. "I was not safe. I wanted to go home," she replied when asked why she exited the truck during the traffic stop. This moment proved pivotal as Sgt. Hooser attempted to assess the situation and ensure both Hinckley’s and Jayne's safety. As law enforcement began to interact with Hinckley, Sgt. Hooser signaled to Griffiths that they needed to take Jayne into custody for further questioning. However, as Griffiths attempted to approach the driver’s side of the truck, Jayne locked the doors and abruptly drove away. "He drove a little bit and turned that whole 80,000-pound, 53-foot reefer trailer around, and sharp turned like a pro, just turned around and then was going for us," Hinckley later testified. In a tragic turn, Sgt. Hooser was struck by the semi-truck as it sped towards him. Griffiths described the horrifying moment, stating, "I was looking for Sgt. Hooser, could not see him, and I realized at that point he's probably still underneath the semi." The emotional weight of the testimony was palpable as Griffiths struggled to maintain his composure while recalling the traumatic incident that resulted in the loss of his colleague and friend. Witnesses reported that after the collision, officers on the scene were unable to render aid to Sgt. Hooser, leading Griffiths to fear the worst. "Based on the actions of the officers standing over him, yes, he was deceased," Griffiths stated, highlighting the somber reality of the situation. Following the incident, Jayne allegedly fled the scene on foot to a nearby Maverik convenience store, where he reportedly stole another semi-truck. The preliminary hearing is expected to continue as investigators and law enforcement officials provide additional testimony regarding the events that transpired that fateful day. The implications of this case resonate deeply within the Santaquin community, where Sgt. Hooser was known for his dedication to public service and his unwavering commitment to keeping the community safe. As the hearing unfolds, many are left to grapple with the tragic loss of a beloved officer and the circumstances surrounding his death. A sense of urgency surrounds the proceedings as the community and law enforcement await justice for Sgt. Hooser, whose sacrifice serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by those in law enforcement. The hearing is set to resume at 9 a.m. on January 30, as both sides prepare to present further evidence and witness testimonies in this deeply impactful case.