Heroic sergeant sacrificed his life to save others in highway police pursuit, witnesses say

NAVASOTA, Texas (KBTX/Gray News) - Texas first responders are mourning the loss of one of their own who died in a head-on collision during a police pursuit this week.

Mark Butler, a sergeant in Navasota, died after a driver rammed their vehicle into his patrol SUV during a police pursuit on Highway 6 on Wednesday.

According to the Texas Department of Public Safety, the call began that afternoon when police responded to a report of forgery at a Prosperity Bank location.

Officers confronted the woman who was reportedly attempting to cash a fraudulent check, but she ended up taking off from them in her Jeep.

The woman then led police on a chase through nearby counties before deciding to drive the wrong way on Highway 6 in the Navasota area.

Texas authorities said Butler was in a marked Navasota Police Department Chevrolet Tahoe when he was hit by the driver.

The sergeant was transported to CHI Saint Joseph Hospital in Grimes County but he did not survive.

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

Several witnesses said Butler prevented the woman’s Jeep from hitting their vehicles and labeled him as a hero who sacrificed his life to save theirs.

State officials said the sergeant is being remembered for his courage and dedication to protecting the community.

“Please join Jan and me in prayer for Navasota Police Department officer Mark Butler who was killed in a horrific car crash,” Texas Lt. Governor Dan Patrick said. “Texas law enforcement officers who make the ultimate sacrifice protecting our communities live on in our hearts forever.”

Authorities said the driver that hit the sergeant also died in the crash and their investigation remains ongoing into the events from that day.

Funeral arrangements for Butler are expected to be released at a later date.