NAVASOTA POLICE SERGEANT KILLED IN PURSUIT

  

A sergeant with the Navasota Police Department was killed on Wednesday during pursuit of a wrong-way driver.

Sergeant Mark Butler was hospitalized after crashing head-on with the suspect around 3:30 p.m. on Highway 6, near FM 3090.  He later succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead.  The suspect died at the scene. 

According to DPS, College Station police were pursuing a suspect who had attempted to cash a fraudulent check at Prosperity Bank before fleeing in a black Jeep Wrangler. 

Police followed the vehicle southbound on Highway 6, but terminated their pursuit when the suspect switched to the northbound lanes and continued driving south.  DPS and Navasota police picked up the pursuit, and the Jeep collided head-on with the Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Sgt. Butler.  The suspect has not been identified. 

Witnesses told KBTX-TV in Bryan that Sgt. Butler maneuvered his patrol vehicle into the path of the Jeep to stop it from hitting any other vehicles.

Sgt. Butler had served in the department since 2021.  He was promoted to sergeant in October.

Navasota Police Chief Michael Mize said, “This is a heartbreaking day for our department and our city.  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.”

In a statement, the City of Navasota said Sgt. Butler was “a dedicated public servant who exemplified courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community.”

DPS and other outside agencies are performing investigation into the incident. 

A candlelight vigil will be held this (Thursday) evening in front of Navasota City Hall at 6 p.m. 

Funeral arrangements for Sgt. Butler are pending.