Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Lewis Johnson was recently honored in the Montana 250th Commission's "Montana Innovators" initiative.

Johnson, 38, and his wife, Kate, were both troopers with Montana Highway Patrol in 2023 when Lewis was nearly killed by Jason Allen Miller, 44, during a chase. Lincoln County law enforcement personnel were attempting to arrest Miller on Feb. 16, 2023 on an outstanding warrant.

Johnson was recognized for his service and dedication to the state as part of the "Montana Innovators" initiative.

Sen. Steve Daines honored those making a difference in public safety, justice and law enforcement. He read a proclamation to President Donald Trump:

“Mr. President, today I have the honor to recognize Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Lewis Johnson. Montana’s law enforcement officers and personnel exemplify some of the best qualities a person can demonstrate: service, courage and resilience. Every day when our officers put on their uniforms, they put their lives on the line to keep our communities safe.

“After spending several days on life support in intensive care, Johnson defied all odds and miraculously recovered,” Daines said.

In January 2025, Col. Kurt Sager returned Johnson’s badge to him after it had been held for evidence in the case.

“Today, we recognize Trooper Johnson for his perseverance and dedication,” Daines said. “I am immensely proud of him and on behalf of Montana, it is my honor to thank him for his service to our great state.”

Miller, a career criminal, was convicted of attempted deliberate homicide, criminal endangerment, aggravated kidnapping, possession of dangerous drugs and criminal mischief on April 19, 2024. He was sentenced to life without parole in June. He is serving that sentence at the Crossroads Correctional Center in Shelby.

The Johnsons have since returned to Lewis’ hometown, Chester, Montana where they are raising their son. Lewis was left partially paralyzed when he was run over by Miller.

His injuries included multiple broken ribs, a punctured lung, a lacerated liver, a separation of the lining of his stomach, spinal cord injuries, a broken kneecap and dislocated and broken shoulder.

Kate Johnson gave heart-wrenching testimony about her husband’s injuries and their effects that left many in the courtroom sobbing during a victim impact statement at Miller's sentencing.

“In January 2023, we began trying to conceive our second child and the next month this happened and he was injured,” Johnson said. “He will never see some of the wilderness I got to see while working as a park ranger, places we planned to see together.”

Following sentencing, the Johnsons said they were relieved, but continued to struggle with other feelings.

“It really hasn’t sunk in yet,” Lewis Johnson said at the time. “I chose a life of service and there are goals I won’t be able to reach, things I won’t be able to do with my son. But, I’d be satisfied if I am that man’s last victim.”

    Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Lewis Johnson with his wife and fellow Trooper Kate Johnson and their son Ryder in Kalispell on Saturday, April 13. (Casey Kreider/Daily Inter Lake)