Montana Highway Patrol shares update on injured Trooper Lewis Johnson

UPDATE, MARCH 9 at 3:01 PM:

Montana Highway Patrol shared an update on Trooper Lewis Johnson Thursday, saying he completed his first week at Craig Hospital in Englewood, Colorado, and has been getting up and dressed for PT/OT every day.

Johnson is still battling his injuries, and is using a powered mobility chair until his left shoulder heals more.

“The community support has been incredible, and the family is truly grateful. His room is starting to fill with cards and beautiful drawings. Please, keep them coming! He still has a long road ahead, but he’s in the right place for healing,” Montana Highway Patrol wrote.

You can help support Trooper Johnson through a GoFundMe set up to help during his recovery. Donations can also be sent directly to the family at:

Lewis and Kate Johnson to PO Box 356 Chester, MT 59522.

You can also send donations to the First Montana Bank here:

Lewis and Kate Johnson Support fund, Lincoln Co Sheriff's Reserve Fund 501(C)(3) First Montana Bank

504 Mineral Ave

Libby, MT 59923

Contact: Sheriff Darren Short - (406) 293-4112 ext. 1230

UPDATE, FEB. 26 AT 1:56 PM:

Injured Montana Highway Patrol Trooper Lewis Johnson is continuing to heal after being hit by a fleeing suspect’s vehicle on Feb. 17.

An event Sunday was held for Trooper Johnson and his family at Logan Health in Kalispell where an update on his condition was shared.

Logan Health’s Chief of Surgery said Trooper Johnson arrived at the hospital with multiple crushed ribs, a collapsed and bruised lung, lacerations and a critical spine fracture.

Trooper Johnson spent his first few days at the hospital on life support and has since been taken off, and was even able to make an appearance at the event in person.

Trooper Johnson thanked attendees for coming to the event, adding “I am here, I am fighting, but it is going to be a long fight.”

Officials thanked the community and emergency personnel who helped get Trooper Johnson the care he needed.

You can watch the full event from the Flathead County Sheriff’s Office below:

KALISPELL, Mont. - Officials are coming together to support injured Montana Highway Patrol Trooper, Lewis Johnson and his family.

Local law enforcement officials are holding the event in the conference room at Logan Health starting at 1:00 pm Sunday.

Trooper Johnson was injured during a pursuit southwest of Eureka, and he has since been in the care of the team at Logan Health.

Sunday’s event will recognize Trooper Johnson’s care team, the life-saving actions of other law enforcement personnel the day he was injured and Montana’s law enforcement community. An update on his future medical care and recover will also be shared.

The public is welcome to attend, and a live stream will be available.

You can watch the stream from the Flathead County Sheriff's Office here.

Article originally posted February 24, 2023.