A Montana Highway Patrol (MHP) trooper was struck by a suspect’s vehicle Thursday afternoon during a chase that unfolded southwest of Eureka and involved multiple law enforcement agencies. The trooper was injured but is hospitalized in stable condition, according to a press release from MHP.
The incident occurred on Montana Highway 37 at 2:36 p.m. while the state trooper was assisting the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office in a vehicle pursuit that ended approximately 10 miles southwest of Eureka. The MHP trooper was trying to apprehend the suspect but was run over by the man’s vehicle. The trooper was flown by air ambulance to Logan Health in Kalispell.
According to information released by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, the chase began after deputies located a man who was wanted on several outstanding felony warrants. When the deputies approached the man, later identified as Jason Allen Miller, 41, of Eureka, he fled in his pickup truck, heading south on Highway 37.
When Miller attempted to turn onto Camp 32 Road, he lost control of his vehicle. Deputies and the trooper approached the vehicle while giving commands “to gain compliance and execute the arrest,” the release states. Miller regained control of his truck and drove at the deputy and trooper, who was struck by Miller’s truck. Deputies rendered aid to the injured trooper and additional deputies continued the pursuit.
A Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks (FWP) warden intercepted Miller off Camp 32 Road and Miller rammed the Warden’s vehicle. He was then then taken into custody and remains incarcerated at the Lincoln County Detention Center.
A female passenger in Miller’s vehicle jumped out of the truck during the pursuit and was apprehended by US Border Patrol Agents. She was questioned and released.
In addition to the injured trooper and the Lincoln County Sheriff’s deputies, the pursuit involved a Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks (FWP) warden, U.S. Border Patrol agents, Flathead County Sheriff’s deputies, and a Two Bear Air helicopter.
MHP Col. Steve Lavin on Thursday evening issued a statement of support to the injured trooper, as did state Attorney General Austin Knudsen and U.S. Sen. Steve Daines.
“Our hearts go out to our MHP trooper and all law enforcement involved in today’s vehicle pursuit,” Lavin stated. “This is a harsh reminder of the dangers we face in our jobs as law enforcement officers. I have no doubt the citizens of our great state will join with me in prayer for our trooper, the MHP family, and all law enforcement in this trying time.”
The Montana Department of Justice’s Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) has been tabbed to lead the investigation. The Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office and MHP is assisting.