Estimated read time: 2-3 minutes
SANTAQUIN — Investigators are putting out a call for help to find a witness who they believe was one of the first people to encounter Michael Aaron Jayne, the man accused of killing Santaquin Police Sgt. Bill Hooser, after he allegedly ran from the scene.
The Utah County Sheriff's Office Thursday released surveillance photos of the witness, who was seen at the Maverik gas station on 725 E. Main in Santaquin on May 5.
Utah County Sheriff's Sgt. Spencer Cannon said after Jayne allegedly hit and killed Hooser on I-15, they think he jumped the fence by the interstate and went through the Maverik parking lot.
"There was a gentleman there who was gassing up his car, and (Jayne) made an effort to take that car from the guy," Cannon explained.
He said the verbal exchange appeared to be brief and didn't last long, but whatever the witness said to Jayne caused him to move on. Jayne is accused of instead stealing a semi from behind the Maverik.
Cannon said they want to know what this man's perspective was, and what he saw from his vantage point. They'd also like to know what the two said to each other.
"Maybe Jayne said something to him that would be helpful to our investigation, that may be incriminating to himself," Cannon said. "You know, we don't know. It'd just be nice to know what it was, if anything."
The sheriff's office describes the driver as a man with a ponytail, wearing a visor, and using a crutch to walk. He was seen driving a silver sedan.
If you know the driver's identity, the sheriff's office asks you to contact Sgt. Justin Gordon at 801-851-4010 or by email at justing@utahcounty.gov.
