Bryan, Texas – A tragic wrong-way crash that resulted in the death of Navasota Police Department Sergeant Mark Butler last Wednesday has been linked to a high-speed pursuit involving a suspect identified as Kimberly Lannigan, 59, of Colorado Springs, Colorado.
According to the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS), the incident began earlier in the day when Lannigan attempted to use a fraudulent ID to cash a check at a bank located off Rock Prairie Road in College Station. Police officers attempted to stop her, but Lannigan fled the scene, leading to a chase on Highway 6.
The pursuit continued southbound until Lannigan made a dangerous U-turn at the Millican exit, reversing direction and driving northbound in the wrong lane of traffic. DPS officials reported that Lannigan traveled for roughly a mile and a half before colliding head-on with Sergeant Butler’s vehicle.
Both Lannigan and Sergeant Butler were killed in the crash. Lannigan was pronounced dead at the scene, while Sergeant Butler, who had been responding to the scene, was transported to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to his injuries.
The incident has left the local law enforcement community mourning the loss of a dedicated officer. Sergeant Butler had served with the Navasota Police Department for many years, earning the respect and admiration of his colleagues and community.
Sergeant Butler’s funeral arrangements have been made public. A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 23, at Nobles Funeral Chapel in Navasota. A funeral service will follow on Friday at Central Church in Bryan-College Station. The sergeant will be laid to rest in a private ceremony following the service.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the chase and crash. This tragic event serves as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face while on duty, and the impact of dangerous driving on both the officers and the public they protect.
