The City of Navasota and its Police Department are mourning the loss of Sergeant Mark Butler, who died in a tragic head-on collision while protecting lives during a police pursuit on Wednesday.

The incident occurred around 3:30 p.m. on the northbound lanes of Highway 6 near Farm-to-Market 3090 in Grimes County. According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the events leading up to the collision began earlier in College Station, when police responded to a forgery report at Prosperity Bank at approximately 3:09 p.m.

Police confronted a female suspect attempting to cash a fraudulent check. She fled the scene in a black 2023 Jeep Wrangler, leading officers on a pursuit along Highway 6. College Station Police Department officers terminated their pursuit when the suspect exited southbound at the FM 2154 ramp and began driving south in the northbound lanes.

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DPS Troopers continued to follow the vehicle into Grimes County. Tragically, the suspect collided head-on with Sergeant Butler’s marked Chevrolet Tahoe. Sergeant Butler was rushed to CHI St. Joseph Hospital – Grimes Hospital, where he was pronounced dead. The suspect died at the scene. Her identity has not yet been released pending family notification.

Witnesses praised Sergeant Butler as a hero, noting that his actions prevented the suspect’s vehicle from colliding with others.

“This is a heartbreaking day for our department and our city,” said Navasota Police Chief Michael Mize. “Sergeant Butler’s sacrifice will never be forgotten. 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.”

City Manager Jason Weeks echoed the sentiment, calling the loss of Sergeant Butler “the hardest day of my life.” He added, “It’s the worst nightmare of any city manager, of any police chief, of any community. We mourn the loss of a friend.”

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Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick described the tragedy as “a heartbreaking reminder of the danger our law enforcement officers face every time they leave home for work.” He offered prayers for Sergeant Butler’s family, the Navasota Police Department, and the community.

Sergeant Mark Butler was remembered as a courageous officer who dedicated his career to protecting and serving his community with integrity.

The Texas Highway Patrol District Crash Reconstruction Team is leading the investigation into the fatal collision. The College Station Police Department is assisting with inquiries into the forgery report that initiated the pursuit. Details regarding funeral arrangements for Sergeant Butler will be announced as they become available.