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

Johnson, 38, and his wife, Kate, were both troopers with MHP in 2023 when Lewis was nearly killed by Jason Allen Miller, 44, during a chase as Lincoln County law officers attempted to arrest Miller Feb. 16, 2023, on an outstanding warrant.

Johnson was recognized for his service and dedication to the state as part of the Montana 250th Commission's "Montana Innovators" initiative.

Sen. Steve Daines honored those making a difference in public safety, justice and law enforcement. He read a proclamation to Pres. 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 of 2025, Col. Kurt Sager returned Trooper Johnson’s badge to him after it had been held for evidence in the case. His badge demonstrates not only his bravery, but his selflessness and his steadfast commitment to protecting his community.

“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 home to Lewis’ hometown, Chester, Montana where they raise their son. Lewis was left partially paralyzed when he was run over by Miller.

Johnson is paralyzed from the waist down and confined to a wheelchair. 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 gave heart-wrenching testimony about her husband’s injuries and their effects that left many in the courtroom sobbing in anguish during a victim impact statement at 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.”

According to the affidavit of probable cause filed by Lincoln County Deputy Attorney Jeffrey Zwang, county deputies learned that Miller was not reporting to adult probation and parole as required. They also learned Miller was staying in neighboring Flathead County and was allegedly using and selling fentanyl. In early February 2023, Lincoln County deputies were told an arrest warrant was issued for Miller for violating his parole.

On Feb. 16, several officers, including Johnson and county officers Clint Heintz, Bo Pitman and Scott Welchons, were on duty in the Eureka area. At about 2:30 p.m., Heintz told the other officers he had located Miller after the felon’s brother told him he was near his father’s shop in the Eureka area. Heintz said Miller refused to stop and took off in his pickup truck, driving south on Highway 37.

Johnson followed Heintz in the chase with Pitman and Welchons joining in as Miller reached speeds of between 65 and 100 miles per hour while passing vehicles he encountered. According to the charging document, Miller then turned on to Camp 32 Road, lost control of the vehicle and got stuck in a snow-covered area next to the road.

Heintz followed Miller’s truck off Highway 37 and stopped on the highway side of the truck. Johnson drove on to Camp 32 Road past Miller’s vehicle and stopped 30 to 40 yards away. Officers Pitman and Welchons waited at the intersection of Highway 37 and Camp 32 Road.

Heintz and Johnson got out of their respective vehicles with their weapons drawn and approached Miller’s truck, which appeared to be stuck. They began giving verbal commands. After several seconds of not moving, Miller’s truck began spinning out in the snow before gaining traction and drove on to Camp 32 Road. Court documents indicate Miller accelerated toward Johnson, who was standing near the rear of his patrol vehicle, struck the officer and then ran him over before fleeing up Camp 32 Road.

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

“It really hasn’t sunk in yet,” Lewis said. “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)