Kevin O’Connor Kommentary March 22

Navasota Police Officer Killed By A Wrong Way Driver Who Was Being Pursued

A Navasota police officer is killed by a wrong way driver. A city of Navasota spokeswoman says Sgt. Mark Butler served in the military before joining the police department in June 2021. Butler was promoted to sergeant in October 2024. The department of public safety (DPS) says Butler was driving his patrol SUV on Highway 6 when it was struck head on by an oncoming SUV. The other driver, who also died, has been pursued by College Station police. The identity of the other driver will be released after family members are notified. A DPS spokesman said the crash, which took place Thursday (January 15) around 3:15 p.m., closed the highway until approximately 9 p.m. News release from the Texas department of public safety: Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Troopers are investigating a two-vehicle fatality crash on state Highway 6 approximately .70 miles north of Farm-to-Market 3090. The preliminary investigation indicates that on January 15, 2025, at approximately 3:15 p.m., the College Station Police Department was actively pursuing a female suspect driving a 2023 Black Jeep Wrangler while southbound on SH-6 in Brazos County. During the pursuit, the Jeep exited SH-6 at Farm-to-Market 2154. The driver turned eastbound on FM 2154 and then turned southbound in the northbound lanes of the service road of SH 6, where the College Station Police Department terminated the pursuit. The Jeep continued southbound, entering an exit ramp onto SH-6 northbound lanes and began traveling south, against the flow of traffic. The Jeep traveled into Grimes County where a 2023 clearly marked Navasota Police Department Chevrolet Tahoe was traveling northbound on SH 6 when the Jeep struck it head-on. The driver of the Chevrolet, Sergeant Mark Butler with the Navasota Police Department, was transported to CHI St. Joseph Hospital – Grimes Hospital – Navasota, where he succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased. The driver of the Jeep was pronounced deceased on the scene, her identity will be released pending identification of the driver and notification of kin. The Texas Highway Patrol (THP) District Crash Reconstruction Team with the assistance of the State Crash Team is conducting this ongoing investigation. No additional information is available for release at this time. News release from the city of Navasota: This afternoon, the City of Navasota and the Navasota Police Department suffered a devastating loss as one of our officers tragically passed away in the line of duty. At approximately 3:30 p.m., the officer was involved in a vehicle accident during a pursuit of a suspect. Despite the heroic efforts of first responders, the officer succumbed to injuries sustained in the crash. The suspect involved in the pursuit was also pronounced deceased at the scene. The fallen officer, Sergeant Mark Butler, was a dedicated public servant who exemplified courage, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of our community. “This is a heartbreaking day for our department and our city,” said Michael Mize, Chief of the Navasota Police Department. “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.” The City of Navasota extends its deepest condolences to Sergeant Butler’s family, friends, and colleagues. We remain united in honoring his life and service, while we work to support those affected by this incident. The incident is under review by the Texas Department of Public Safety, with the full cooperation of outside investigative agencies. Details regarding funeral services and ways to honor Sergeant Butler will be shared as they become available. We ask for patience and privacy as the family and department mourn this loss.

Upcoming Meeting With Bryan City And TxDOT Officials Includes The Status Of Texas Avenue Medians

The end of Tuesday night’s Bryan city council meeting (January 14) included public comments repeating the call for removing the Texas Avenue median. Responding to Karen Hall’s comments, mayor Bobby Gutierrez announced that will be on the agenda when he and other city officials meet next week with a member of the Texas transportation commission and TxDOT engineers. Hall also called on Texas Avenue business owners and local first responders to share their experiences with TxDOT officials. Hall says their silence is interpreted as there is nothing wrong with the medians. Click below to hear comments from Karen Hall and Bobby Gutierrez at the January 14, 2025 Bryan city council meeting. Listen to “Upcoming Meeting with Bryan city and TxDOT officials includes the status of Texas Avenue medians” on Spreaker.  

Bryan ISD School Board Discusses But Does Not Take Action On The Superintendent’s Request For A New Demographer’s Study

Bryan ISD school board members discuss but do not take action on the superintendent’s request to conduct a new demographic study. At Monday’s board meeting (January 13), newly elected member David Stennis was the first to question what the district was getting for almost $57,000 dollars when there is data that is available to the public. Superintendent Ginger Carrabine said the latest demographer’s study showed Bryan ISD had enough facilities to accommodate students through the year 2031. Carrabine also said she wants the demographer’s information to plan for the impact of school vouchers and the possibility of proposed economic development projects bringing more families to the district. Board member Leo Gonzalez wanted to wait for the demographer to start its work until final decisions are made on proposed economic development projects inside the district and state lawmakers taking action on school vouchers. Board member Joel Bryan said was ready to proceed with the demographer’s study. The request will be considered again at the Bryan ISD board’s next meeting. Click HERE to read and download the demographer’s proposal that was presented at the January 13, 2025 Bryan ISD board meeting. Click HERE to read and download the demographer’s study process document that was presented at the January 13, 2025 Bryan ISD board meeting. Click below to hear comments from the January 13, 2025 Bryan ISD board meeting.