Navasota Police Sergeant Mark Butler, a United States Army veteran, tragically lost his life while protecting others during a police pursuit on January 15. Butler, 4 years into his service with the Navasota Police Department, was responding to a call about a suspect attempting to cash a fraudulent check at Prosperity Bank in College Station. The suspect, a woman, fled the scene in a black Jeep Wrangler, triggering a manhunt.
As the pursuit continued, the suspect was reported traveling in the wrong direction on Highway 6 in Navasota, about 24 miles outside of College Station. At 3:30 p.m., Sgt. Butler, who was heading north, strategically positioned his patrol vehicle to prevent the suspect from causing further harm. In the process, Butler’s patrol car collided head-on with the wrong-way driver, ensuring that the suspect did not hit other motorists on the highway. Tragically, Butler died from his injuries after being rushed to a nearby hospital, while the suspect was pronounced dead at the crash site.
A Bryan, Texas, family expressed deep gratitude for Butler’s heroism. Jonathan Crider, who was traveling in a truck on the highway, recounted how Butler’s quick action likely saved their lives. Crider said that moments before the crash, Butler maneuvered his vehicle into the path of the oncoming Jeep, preventing a devastating collision with his truck and other vehicles. “He sacrificed himself to save everyone behind us,” Crider shared.
In a show of support, Texas officials, including Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and State Senator Lois Kolkhorst, extended their condolences to Butler’s family and the Navasota community. The investigation into the crash is being led by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), with the College Station Police Department assisting in the forgery case. Butler’s selfless sacrifice serves as a reminder of the daily dangers law enforcement officers face while protecting their communities.
