A police officer in Grand Prairie, TX near Dallas died after he lost control of his vehicle during a police pursuit, reports WFAA.
“It is with heavy hearts, that we report Officer Brandon Paul Tsai passed away after being involved in a traffic collision Monday night, the Department announced on Twitter. “We will #NeverForget.”
The Dallas News reports Tsai spotted a car with a suspected fake paper license plate. When he tried to stop the vehicle, it took off. Tsai collided into the rear of another police car and then rolled over and crashed into a pole.
Firefighters rushed him to Methodist Dallas Medical Center where he died.
“Our nation lost a hero last night,” Police Chief Daniel Scesney said. “Tsai represented the very best among us and laid down his life protecting this city and all those who live within it. Our hearts are broken but we are grateful to all those who have extended their thoughts and prayers to Brandon’s family, including his entire extended family who wear blue.”
Tsai joined the Department in January after spending five years with the Los Angeles Police Department, according to WFAA.
Police are still on the lookout for a silver Chevy Malibu and its driver who could face charges of evading arrest. Investigators did not release a description of the driver, but the car had a paper tag of 0330S43.
The issue of fake paper licenses has plagued the state and led to the resignation of the head of the Department of Motor Vehicles.
“This is a systemic problem in the entire state of Texas,” Scensey said, his voice boiling with frustration. “We have fictitious tags all over the place, and quite frankly, it cost a cop his life.”
