Hero Texas police officer, an Army veteran, killed in line of duty during car chase

A Texas police officer and veteran Army soldier is being hailed as a hero for “sacrificing” himself to save the lives of others from a speeding maniac.

Sgt. Mark Butler of the Navasota Police Department was killed in a head-on collision Wednesday when a suspected bank robber drove on the wrong side of the road in a desperate attempt to flee another pursuing patrol car, officials said.

Witnesses say the heroic officer purposely put himself in the speeding woman’s path to save other drivers traveling down the highway.

“I don’t believe we would have made it out if it wasn’t for the officer. He selflessly gave himself up so nobody else would perish,” Jonathan Crider told KBTX of the harrowing moments before the crash.