SANTAQUIN, Utah, May 5, 2024 (Gephardt Daily) — A Santaquin Police officer was struck and killed Sunday morning after allegedly being run over by a semi-truck driver during an attempted traffic stop.
The driver of the truck, who fled the scene, is now in custody after the vehicle he was traveling in crashed in Vernal, according to multiple police sources, including UHP Sgt. Cameron Roden.
The initial incident took place about 6:35 a.m. on I-15 near the exit ramp for the SR-198/Main St. Junction outside Santaquin.
The alleged suspect, identified by the Utah Department of Public Safety as Mike Aaron Jayne, 42, was said to be armed with a stolen firearm and to be traveling in a stolen F-150 pickup truck, according to a DPS statement issued at 9:45 a.m.
Police sources said Jayne abandoned the semi-truck after running down the officer and fled on foot, prompting a shelter-in-place order, since lifted, for residents between Payson and Santaquin.
Jayne, said to be out of Indiana, was described as Caucasian, about 6 feet tall, 220 pounds, wearing a gray sweater and black shoes with white socks. His general appearance was “unkempt,” the DPS statement said.
The stolen Ford F-150 Jayne was believed to be driving had an extended bed and grill. The Utah license plate is 2D7TR.
The Spanish Fork Police Department is handling press inquiries for Santaquin PD. A press conference is expected shortly.
Gephardt Daily will update this developing story as more information is made available.
