Man convicted of running over MHP soldier sentenced to life in prison

LIBBY — Jason Allen Miller was sentenced Wednesday, June 5, 2024, to spend the rest of his life in Montana State Prison for running over Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Lewis Johnson near Eureka in February 2023.

Miller was charged with multiple felonies after striking MHP Trooper Lewis Johnson with his vehicle as officers attempted to arrest Miller on a warrant on Feb. 16, 2023, near Eureka.

Deputies were attempting to arrest Jason Allen Miller for a warrant when he sped away in his pickup truck, sparking a pursuit by law enforcement.

Miller attempted to turn onto Camp 32 Road and lost control of his vehicle. Officers approached his vehicle, but he regained control and drove toward them, striking Johnson, causing serious, life-changing injuries.

Johnson spent months recovering and rehabilitating in a Colorado hospital before returning to his hometown of Chester in October 2023.

MHP soldier returns home after months of recovery

He suffered a punctured lung, damaged liver, head trauma, broken ribs, broken arm, broken leg and severe spinal trauma.

A news release from the Montana Attorney General's Office says Miller was sentenced to life in the Montana State Prison for his attempted murder of Trooper Johnson, followed by 10 years for the weapons charge, 15 years for criminal endangerment, 15 years for criminal mischief, five years for criminal possession of dangerous drugs and 15 years for aggravated kidnapping, meaning Miller will be in prison for life, without parole, plus an additional 25 years.

He also owes the Johnson family more than $75,000 in restitution and more than $1.2 million to the state for Trooper Johnson's care, treatment and trial costs.

“Today we made clear that violence against Montana law enforcement officers will not be tolerated. I am proud of our prosecutors in the Attorney General’s Office who helped hold the perpetrator accountable and ensured justice was served in this case,” Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen said in a statement Press.

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