News Break 06/16/2003 08:40:07 EST Vt. Trooper Killed Trying to StopDriver A driver who had fled after he was pulled over for speeding struck and killed a veteran trooper who was trying to stop his car, authorities said. State Police Sgt. Michael Johnson, 39, had placed spike strips on Interstate 91 in Norwich on Sunday to stop motorist Eric Daley, 23, police said. Daley swerved to miss the spikes, struck Johnson as he tried to take cover, then got out of his car and fled into a wooded area, police said. A search for the suspect continued Monday. Johnson died Sunday at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center in Lebanon, N.H. "Sergeant Michael Johnson of the Vermont State Police today made the ultimate sacrifice and gave his life in the line of duty," said Gov. James Douglas. It was the first death of a Vermont trooper in the line of duty in more than 10 years. Daley, driving a 1991 Nissan NX Coupe, had been stopped for speeding by another trooper about 3:45 p.m. State police said he fled south about five miles until he came to the spikes Johnson had placed on the highway to puncture his tires.
They Caught the guy responsible for this crime. Suspect in State Trooper's Death Caught By LISA RATHKE Associated Press Writer A man suspected of hitting and killing a state trooper with his car while fleeing police was captured Tuesday on the Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania. Eric Daley, 23, was arraigned in Pennsylvania Tuesday night on fugitive from justice charges. He was ordered jailed without bail. The search for Daley began Sunday after he was stopped for speeding, Vermont State Police said. A trooper suspected there might be drugs in the car, but Daley allegedly refused his request to search it. While the trooper conferred with other officers about seeking a search warrant, Daley allegedly drove off. During the police chase, trooper Michael Johnson set up spikes on the road to stop him. The car swerved to avoid the spikes and smashed into Johnson, police said. Daley was taken to a trailhead in Slateford, Pa., by someone Vermont police described as an associate. Vermont authorities said police in New Hampshire and Massachusetts helped them find Daley, who is from Lebanon, N.H. A search of the wrecked car Daley had been driving Sunday turned up two pounds of marijuana and white powder that tested positive preliminarily as cocaine. Suspected LSD also was found, along with $475 in cash, state police said. Daley is wanted in Vermont on charges of gross negligent operation with death resulting, leaving the scene of a fatal accident and attempting to elude police. He already was facing two felony drug charges in New Hampshire from March 2003. He's accused of marijuana, cocaine and hashish possession.
GOOD. Now let VSP have a few hours alone in the mountains with the bastard, then let him FRY!!!! -Mike
I attended NCO school with Sgt. Johnson. He was a class act and a great guy. Nice showing by commonwealth of mass. police depts. Some officers came from as far away a Minn. and GA. RCMP was there too. rhl
