Sergeant Mark Butler of the Navasota Police Department tragically lost his life on January 15, 2025, while preventing a dangerous suspect from endangering other motorists.
The incident began in College Station when officers confronted a female suspect attempting to cash fraudulent checks at a bank. The suspect fled southbound on Highway 6, eventually driving against traffic in the northbound lanes after reentering the highway at the FM 2154 ramp. At approximately 3:30 p.m., Sergeant Butler, traveling northbound in a marked patrol vehicle, collided head-on with the suspect’s vehicle near Farm-to-Market 3090 in Navasota. His selfless actions stopped the suspect from causing further harm to innocent motorists. Tragically, both Sergeant Butler and the suspect lost their lives as a result of the crash.
Sergeant Butler was transported to CHI St. Joseph Health – Grimes Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries. The suspect was pronounced dead at the scene.
A decorated United States Army veteran, Sergeant Butler joined the Navasota Police Department in June 2021 and earned a promotion to sergeant in October 2024. He was known for his unwavering dedication to public service, his courage, and his commitment to protecting his community. The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation into this tragic incident. Funeral arrangements for Sergeant Butler are pending. The City of Navasota has extended its deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues, mourning the loss of a true hero.
For more details and tributes, please visit the Officer Down Memorial Page (ODMP) dedicated to Sergeant Mark Butler.
