The driver of a semi-truck allegedly struck and killed a police officer in Utah while fleeing a traffic stop on Sunday, May 5, authorities said.
The Utah Highway Patrol received a 911 call early Sunday reporting that a person was standing on the back of a semi-truck while it was traveling northbound on Interstate 15. A Santaquin Police officer and a UHP trooper located the semi-truck near I-15 mile 244 at around 6:27 a.m. and attempted a traffic stop, Knewz.com has learned.
The driver of the semi-truck fled northbound a short distance, turned around, and drove the wrong way on the highway toward the officers. The semi struck the Santaquin officer, his vehicle, and the UHP patrol vehicle.
The Santaquin officer, who was not immediately identified, was pronounced dead at the scene, according to Spanish Fork Police, which are acting as public information officers for the incident.
The semi driver fled on foot, and was believed to have stolen multiple vehicles, including a White Ford F150 truck with Utah Plate 2D7TR.
The suspect, identified as 41-year-old Michael Aaron Jayne, was arrested later Sunday, May 5, following a brief chase in the Vernal area, about 160 miles east of Santaquin.
The investigation, including who was reported to be riding the back of the semi, and why, is ongoing.
The Utah County Sheriff's Office said a procession at 10 a.m. Monday would bring the fallen Santaquin officer back to Santaquin, with a press conference following to release his identity.
—TMX contributed to this report.