At approximately 3:09 p.m. on Wednesday, January 15, 2025, the College Station Police Department (CSPD) responded to a forgery in progress at Prosperity Bank, located at 1862 Rock Prairie Rd. Upon arrival, officers identified a female suspect attempting to cash a fraudulent check. When officers approached, the suspect fled in a black Jeep Wrangler.
The suspect headed southbound on Highway 6 toward Navasota, later exiting onto Millican/FM 2154 and driving south in the northbound lanes of Highway 6. In adherence to policy, CSPD officers terminated the pursuit, and Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers continued to monitor the suspect as she drove the wrong way on Highway 6.
The pursuit came to a tragic end in Grimes County when the suspect’s Jeep collided head-on with a marked 2023 Chevrolet Tahoe belonging to the Navasota Police Department. Officers arrived at the crash site and began life-saving efforts for both the suspect and the officer.
The suspect was pronounced deceased at the scene, with her identity pending confirmation and notification of next of kin. Navasota Police Sergeant Mark Butler, who was driving the Tahoe, was transported to CHI St. Joseph Hospital in Navasota, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Sergeant Butler’s death marks a significant loss for the Navasota Police Department and the entire community.
“We ask for the community’s thoughts and prayers for the officer’s family, loved ones, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time. Further details, including ways to honor Sergeant Butler, will be shared as they become available,” said the City of Navasota in a statement.
According to his LinkedIn profile, Sergeant Mark Butler had been employed with the Navasota Police Department since June 2021. Before joining the department, he served in the U.S. Army for six years.
The Texas Department of Public Safety is leading the investigation into the crash, with assistance from the Texas Highway Patrol District Crash Reconstruction Team.
The College Station Police Department continues to investigate the forgery incident
