UTAH COUNTY, Utah, July 31, 2025 (Gephardt Daily) — Michael Jayne, the man charged in the 2024 homicide of Santaquin police officer Sergeant Bill Hooser, is facing new charges after allegedly injuring four Utah County Sheriff’s Office deputies during a violent altercation Tuesday at the Utah County Jail.
According to a UCSO news release, the incident occurred on July 29 when two corrections deputies moved Jayne, 43, to an interview room as part of an investigation into contraband allegedly found in Jayne’s cell.
During the interview, Jayne became agitated, yelling and shoving a table toward the deputies before taking a fighting stance, the release states. When deputies attempted to restrain him, Jayne allegedly launched a violent attack.
A probable cause statement filed after the assault claims Jayne clawed at one deputy’s face and attempted to gouge the deputy’s eye, causing torn skin on the eyelid, swelling, and scratches to both eyes.
“The deputy indicated that Jayne was able to dig his finger deep into his right eye socket, attempting to dig his eyeball out of his head,” the PC statement says.
While deputies attempted to restrain him, Jayne allegedly grabbed the injured deputy’s eyeglasses and tried to stab him in the abdomen and ribs, causing several small lacerations. The second deputy involved sustained a broken right elbow, including a chipped bone fragment, the UCSO news release says.
Backup deputies arrived shortly after the incident began and were able to subdue Jayne.
In total, four deputies were transported to local hospitals. In addition to the two initially attacked, one responding deputy suffered a sprained wrist and fingers, while another was diagnosed with a mild concussion. The latter two were treated and released.
Both of the original deputies involved are expected to need follow-up care, though officials said they are hopeful there will be no permanent damage.
Jayne sustained no substantial injuries and is under observation by jail medical staff, the UCSO says.
Charges filed against Jayne in the alleged Tuesday incident include one count of aggravated assault by a prisoner, a second-degree felony; two counts of assault by a prisoner, third-degree felonies; and one count of criminal mischief, a class A misdemeanor.
Jayne faces multiple superseding felony charges in connection with the May 5, 2024, death of Sgt. Hooser, including aggravated murder and kidnapping.
Photo of slain Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser courtesy GoFundMe.com
Gephardt Daily will continue to follow this story as more information is made available.
