Accused of running over state trooper, felon appears in court

A Lincoln County man accused of running over a Montana Highway Patrol trooper during a police chase on Thursday, Feb. 16, made his initial court appearance Friday afternoon in Lincoln County Justice Court.

Jason Allen Miller, 41, of Rexford, appeared in front of Judge Jay Sheffield for his arrest on absconding from parole for previous convictions in the county for theft and possession of dangerous drugs.

No charges have yet been filed in the Thursday incident, but law enforcement officials said Friday that additional charges are pending and will be announced next week.

During Miller’s brief appearance on video, he leaned back in a chair in the Lincoln County Detention Center where he is being held on no bond and said he understood everything Sheffield asked him. He was also read his Miranda rights and told he needed to fill out paperwork and have it mailed so he could obtain a public defender.

Miller’s arrest followed a run from law officers after deputies from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office attempted to arrest him shortly before 3 p.m. Thursday.

According to information on the Montana State Prison website, Miller was accused of theft on June 1, 2001, and Dec. 1, 2001. He was sentenced to prison time for both on May 14, 2012. He was accused of criminal possession of dangerous drugs in 2012 and sentenced to the Montana State Prison for 2018.

According to information from the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, county deputies were joined in the pursuit by a Montana Highway Patrol trooper. Miller attempted to turn onto Camp 32 Road and lost control of his vehicle.

Deputies and the trooper approached the vehicle while giving commands to gain compliance and execute the arrest. Miller regained control of his truck and drove at the deputy and trooper. The trooper was allegedly struck by Miller’s truck. Deputies rendered aid to the injured trooper and additional deputies continued the pursuit.

A Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks Warden intercepted Miller off Camp 32 Road and Miller rammed the warden’s vehicle. He was then taken into custody.

A female passenger in Miller’s vehicle jumped out of the truck during the pursuit and was apprehended by U.S. Border Patrol Agents. She was questioned and released.

The injured trooper was transported to Logan Health Center in Kalispell by an ALERT air ambulance.

Lincoln County Sheriff Darren Short stated, “The actions of the Deputies, troopers and wardens with assistance from the Border Patrol took a dangerous person out of our community. Thanks to their heroic actions, our entire community is a safer place. Our thoughts and prayers are with the trooper and his family.”

U.S. Senator Steve Daines voiced words of support for the officer in an email Thursday evening.

“Terrible news," U.S. Senator Steve Daines said. "Praying for a speedy and full recovery for the Montana Highway Patrol trooper who was injured this afternoon while serving their community.”

He was joined by state Attorney General Austin Knudsen and MHP Col. Steve Lavin who encouraged Montanans to join in prayer for the injured MHP trooper.

“Please join me in praying for our Montana Highway Patrol trooper who was seriously injured while apprehending suspects fleeing law enforcement today," Knudsen said in a statement. "I'm thankful for our Montana law enforcement officers who put on their uniform every day not knowing what dangers they may face.”

For Col. Lavin, it was a harsh reminder of the dangers faced by law officers.

“Our hearts go out to our MHP trooper and all law enforcement involved in today’s vehicle pursuit. This is a harsh reminder of the dangers we face in our jobs as law enforcement officers," Lavin said. "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 Department of Criminal Investigation has been requested to lead the investigation. The Lincoln County Sheriff's Office as well as MHP will be assisting.

Officers from the U.S. Border Patrol and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks and Flathead County Sheriff’s Office also assisted in the incident.