Texas Police Officer Killed in Head-On Collision During Chase
Source Officer.com News
A Texas police officer was killed Wednesday in a head-on collision while pursuing a suspect, stopping a Jeep from crashing into other vehicles.
Navasota Police Sg. Mark Butler, an Army veteran, had been with the department for nearly four years. He died from the injuries he sustained in the collision, KBTX-TV reports.
“This is a heartbreaking day for our department and our city,” said Police Chief Michael Mize. “We grieve the loss of a beloved member of our law enforcement family and ask for the community’s prayers and support during this unimaginable time. Sergeant Butler’s sacrifice will never be forgotten.”
The incident happened when College Station police responded to a report of a person passing a bad check at a bank just after 3 p.m. When officers confronted the suspect, she fled in a Jeep Wrangler, kicking off a chase.
Eventually, College Station police pulled out of the chase, and state troopers continued following the woman. Butler joined the pursuit at around 3:30 p.m., and the fleeing Jeep crashed head-on into his cruiser.
Bystanders told KBTX that Butler stopped the fleeing Jeep from hitting other vehicles, and they called him a hero for his actions.
The suspect died at the scene following the crash. Butler was rushed to the hospital, where he died.
“This is the hardest day of my life,” said Navasota City Manager Jason Weeks said. “It is not something I ever thought I would ever experience. It’s the worst nightmare of any city manager, of any police chief, of any community. We mourn the loss of a friend.”
The incident is under investigation.
