SANTAQUIN, Utah – In a courtroom filled with somber faces, witnesses took the stand Tuesday to recount the harrowing events surrounding the death of Sgt. Bill Hooser, a dedicated officer with the Santaquin Police Department. The preliminary hearing, which marked the first of two scheduled sessions, aimed to establish the circumstances under which Hooser was killed by a semitruck driver on a fateful day in April. The courtroom was silent as the first witness, a local resident who lives near the accident site, described the chaotic scene. "I heard an enormous crash and ran outside to see what happened. It was a nightmare. There were emergency vehicles everywhere, and I could see Sgt. Hooser lying on the ground," the witness recounted, struggling to hold back tears. Their testimony painted a picture of a community in shock, grappling with the sudden loss of a beloved officer. Sgt. Hooser, 44, had been a member of the Santaquin Police Department for over 20 years, known for his commitment to public service and his passion for community engagement. Friends and colleagues remembered him as a devoted family man who often went above and beyond to ensure the safety of his community. His death has left a significant void, prompting an outpouring of grief from both local residents and fellow law enforcement officers. As the hearing progressed, additional witnesses detailed the moments leading up to the collision. A delivery truck driver testified that he saw the semitruck speeding down the road moments before the impact. "I could tell he was going too fast. I thought to myself, ‘There’s no way he’s going to stop in time,’" the driver stated. This testimony was echoed by another witness, who described the semitruck’s erratic behavior shortly before the accident occurred. “It swerved into the lane where Sgt. Hooser was directing traffic. It all happened so fast; I couldn’t believe what I was seeing,” the witness added. The defendant, 35-year-old Michael Thompson, is accused of recklessly driving the semitruck that struck and killed Sgt. Hooser while he was conducting a traffic stop. According to police reports, Thompson was allegedly under the influence of drugs at the time of the incident, a claim that his defense team is contesting. During cross-examination, Thompson’s attorney argued that the evidence presented by the prosecution was circumstantial and did not definitively prove that his client was impaired at the time of the crash. As the prosecution laid out its case, they provided the court with video footage from nearby surveillance cameras, which captured the moments leading up to the collision. The footage showed Sgt. Hooser standing in the roadway, directing traffic, when the semitruck approached at a high rate of speed. The chilling video, played for the jury, left many in the courtroom visibly shaken. The prosecution also presented forensic evidence that indicated the semitruck was traveling significantly over the speed limit. A reconstruction expert testified that the truck was estimated to be traveling at least 20 miles per hour above the legal limit when it struck Hooser. “The speed at which the semitruck was traveling was a critical factor in this tragic incident,” the expert stated, emphasizing that there was little chance for Hooser to avoid the collision. As the preliminary hearing continued, the emotional toll on those present became increasingly evident. Several family members of Sgt. Hooser were in attendance, visibly grieving as they listened to the harrowing accounts of that day. Hooser’s widow, Megan, sat quietly in the front row, her eyes filled with tears as she listened to the testimony. A family friend, speaking outside the courtroom, expressed the sentiments of many: "Sgt. Hooser was a hero. He dedicated his life to serving others, and it’s heartbreaking that his life was taken in such a senseless manner." The preliminary hearing is expected to conclude with a second session scheduled for next week, where additional witnesses are anticipated to testify. The outcome of this hearing will determine whether Thompson will face charges in a trial regarding the death of Sgt. Hooser. If convicted, Thompson could face significant prison time, as charges against him include vehicular homicide and driving under the influence. In the wake of this tragedy, the Santaquin community has rallied around Sgt. Hooser’s family, organizing vigils and fundraisers to support them during this difficult time. Local law enforcement agencies have also come together to honor Hooser’s legacy, with many planning to participate in a memorial service that will celebrate his life and contributions to the community. As the legal proceedings unfold, the community remains united in its grief, reflecting on the profound impact that Sgt. Hooser had on the lives of those he served.