Utah County, UT | November 2025 – Michael Aaron Zahn, a 43-year-old inmate already awaiting trial for the May 2024 murder of Sergeant Bill Hooser of the Santaquin Police Department, is now accused of a new confrontation with law enforcement inside the Utah County Jail. Zahn, who is facing charges of aggravated murder and serious assault, allegedly assaulted a corrections deputy by throwing an unknown liquid substance from his cell late Sunday night.
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What Happened?
According to court documents, the incident took place around 11:30 p.m. on Sunday, November 9, 2025, when Zahn allegedly manipulated something within his cell to spray an unknown liquid at a deputy standing outside. The deputy was struck in the face, shirt, and pants by the substance and immediately began wiping it off.
Investigators believe Zahn’s actions were deliberate and planned, noting that he used his hands to strike or manipulate something inside the cell door slot, causing the liquid to spray through a small crack.
While formal charges for this latest incident have not yet been filed, Zahn could face a Class A misdemeanor for throwing a substance at a law enforcement officer. This new accusation adds to an already extensive record of violent encounters Zahn has had during his time in custody.
Zahn’s Criminal Background
Zahn’s legal troubles began with the tragic death of Sergeant Bill Hooser in May 2024. Authorities allege that Zahn intentionally rammed Sergeant Hooser’s patrol vehicle with a semi-truck on Interstate 15 in Santaquin after evading a Utah Highway Patrol traffic stop.
Following the deadly crash, Zahn allegedly fled the scene, stole multiple vehicles, and was later captured in Vernal, Utah. He currently faces multiple serious charges, including aggravated murder and aggravated assault, with prosecutors seeking the death penalty—a punishment that requires a unanimous jury verdict.
Previous Incidents in Jail
This is not the first time Zahn has been accused of violence behind bars. In July 2025, during a restricted investigation, he allegedly attacked several deputies, pushed a table toward them, issued death threats, and even scratched one deputy’s face in an apparent attempt to gouge out his eye.
Those actions resulted in felony charges of aggravated assault by a prisoner and assault by a prisoner, with two deputies injured, including one who suffered a bone fragment injury and another who sustained a sprain.
Legal Proceedings and Growing Concerns
The ongoing incidents involving Zahn have drawn increasing concern from Utah County officials, as his behavior and repeated aggression complicate the already high-profile murder trial.
While public attention remains focused on both cases, it’s important to note that Michael Aaron Zahn remains presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
As the murder case and the new jail-related allegations progress through the judicial system, authorities and the public will closely monitor how these developments impact his legal standing and upcoming trial.
Conclusion
The case of Michael Aaron Zahn highlights the growing tension and challenges faced by law enforcement and corrections staff in handling high-risk inmates. With multiple violent incidents and a capital murder trial pending, Zahn’s actions continue to raise serious questions about jail safety, mental health management, and inmate supervision.
This story may be updated as more information becomes available.
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