Sergeant Mark Butler - Navasota Police Department - Texas

Sergeant Mark Butler of the Navasota Police Department was one of two officers killed on January 15, 2015, in Texas. 

Sgt. Butler was involved in a head-on collision during a pursuit on Highway 6 near Farm-to-Market Road 3090 in Navasota. The suspect in the fleeing vehicle had tried to cash a fraudulent check at a bank and fled when confronted by College Station police officers. At one point, she entered the highway and reached speeds exceeding 100 mph while driving the wrong way.

At approximately 3:25 p.m., Sergeant Butler, who was traveling northbound, decided to maneuver his marked patrol vehicle to intentionally collide with the suspect's vehicle. This action was taken to prevent her from potentially hitting other motorists on the highway. He was transported to CHI St. Joseph Hospital – Grimes Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

The suspect was killed at the scene.

Sergeant Butler was a United States Army veteran and had served with the Navasota Police Department for nearly four years. He is survived by his wife and two children. Our prayers and condolences go out to Sgt. Butler's family, friends, colleagues, and the community of Navasota. Sgt. Butler's heroic actions on January 15 undoubtedly saved lives.