Navasota, Texas – The city of Navasota is in mourning following the death of Sergeant Mark Butler, who was killed in a tragic head-on collision during a police pursuit on Wednesday afternoon. Sergeant Butler, a well-respected officer with the Navasota Police Department, succumbed to his injuries after his vehicle collided with a suspect’s car on Highway 6 near Farm-to-Market 3090.
The incident unfolded around 3:09 p.m. on January 15, 2025, when College Station police responded to a report of a forgery at Prosperity Bank. Officers confronted a female suspect attempting to cash a fraudulent check. Upon seeing law enforcement, the suspect fled the scene in a black 2023 Jeep Wrangler, leading police southbound on Highway 6.
As per standard procedure, College Station police officers terminated their pursuit after the suspect exited the highway at the FM 2154 ramp and began driving south in the northbound lanes of Highway 6. However, Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers continued to follow the vehicle as it entered Grimes County. Shortly after, at approximately 3:30 p.m., the suspect’s Jeep collided head-on with a marked Navasota Police Department Chevrolet Tahoe driven by Sergeant Butler.
Sergeant Butler was transported to CHI St. Joseph Hospital – Grimes Hospital, where he was pronounced dead from the injuries sustained in the crash. The suspect, whose identity has not been released pending notification of family, was pronounced dead at the scene.
In a statement, Navasota Police Chief Michael Mize expressed the department’s deep grief. “This is a heartbreaking day for our department and our city,” 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.”
Sergeant Butler, remembered for his unwavering courage and commitment to protecting the community, was a respected member of the Navasota Police Department. His loss has left a deep impact on both his colleagues and the city he served.
Navasota City Manager Jason Weeks shared his sorrow, calling the loss “the hardest day” of his career. “It is not something I ever thought I would experience. It’s the worst nightmare of any city manager, of any police chief, of any community. We mourn the loss of a friend,” Weeks said.
Several witnesses to the incident have since described Sergeant Butler as a hero, noting that he made a heroic effort to prevent the Jeep from crashing into other vehicles on the highway, potentially saving more lives in the process.
The Texas Highway Patrol District Crash Reconstruction Team is currently leading the investigation into the fatal crash. The College Station Police Department is assisting with the ongoing investigation into the initial forgery report. Further details, including funeral arrangements for Sergeant Butler, will be released when available.
As the community grapples with this heartbreaking loss, the City of Navasota has pledged to honor Sergeant Butler’s memory and service. His legacy of dedication to duty and selflessness will not be forgotten.
