Family of Vermont Trooper Killed in 2003 to Get Settlement

The state of Vermont’s insurance company has tentatively agreed to a multi-million dollar out-of-court settlement with the family of a Vermont State trooper who was killed during a car chase more than nine years ago.

Sgt. Michael Johnson was struck by a car driven by then-22-year-old Eric Daley, of Lebanon, N.H., after Johnson laid a spike strip on Interstate 91 to try to stop Daley from fleeing.

Daley later pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and got a 26- to 33-year sentence.

Hartford lawyer John Campbell, who represents the Johnson family, confirmed the proposed settlement to the Burlington Free Press Monday but would not say how much it was.

The Vermont Supreme Court ruled in 2009 that Johnson’s family could sue the state’s insurer for as much as $11 million.