ROMNEY, W.Va. — A Texas law enforcement officer who died in the line of duty Wednesday while pursuing a fraud suspect was a Hampshire County native and Hampshire High School alum.
Navasota Police Department Sgt. Mark Butler, 34, was pursuing the suspect on a highway near College Station. At some point, the suspect exited the highway and reentered the wrong way, and the vehicles hit head-on.
“While pursuing a suspect fleeing southbound in the northbound lanes, Sgt. Butler heroically maneuvered his patrol vehicle to shield other motorists, ultimately losing his life in the process,” the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department said in a statement posted to social media Friday morning.
The suspect, who was allegedly attempting to cash fraudulent checks at a bank and had not been identified Friday afternoon, also died.
Butler had been with the department since 2021, television station Fox 26 Houston reported.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic loss of Navasota Police Department’s Sergeant Mark Butler, who passed away in the line of duty this afternoon. We ask for the community’s thoughts and prayers for the officer’s family, loved ones, and colleagues during this incredibly difficult time,” the city of Navasota said, according to the online publication The Center Square.
The Navasota Examiner reported, “It is with heavy hearts that we share the devastating loss of one of our hometown heroes — a Navasota Police Officer who gave his life today protecting our community. This is deeply personal for us. These men and women are more than officers — they’re family.”
The publisher of the newspaper is married to the chief of police “and these officers are like her children. This loss cuts deep for everyone in Navasota/Grimes County,” the paper said. “May we honor his sacrifice and never forget the bravery and love he showed for us all.”