Holly MatkinGrand Prairie, TX – Grand Prairie Police Department (GPPD) Officer Brandon Paul Tsai died in the line of duty on Monday night after crashing his patrol car during a vehicle pursuit, according to police.
The 32-year-old officer was out on patrol near the intersection of Pioneer Parkway and SW 3rd at approximately 10:45 p.m. on Nov. 14 when he spotted a vehicle that was “displaying a fictitious paper license plate,” the GPPD said in a press release on Tuesday.
When Officer Tsai attempted to stop the vehicle, the driver immediately fled, according to police.
During the ensuing pursuit, Officer Tsai lost control of his patrol unit and collided with another patrol vehicle, WFAA reported.
He then crashed into a light pole.
Officer Tsai was rushed to Methodist Dallas Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injures, the GPPD said.
The officer inside the patrol vehicle he collided with was treated for minor injuries, KDFW reported.
The suspect vehicle fled the scene and police were still searching for the unidentified driver on Tuesday.
The investigation into the fatal collision remained ongoing.
“The Grand Prairie Police Department is mourning the loss of one of our officers who died in the line of duty,” the police department said. “It is with heavy hearts that we report Officer Brandon Paul Tsai passed away after being involved in a traffic collision.”
Officer Tsai served five years with the Los Angeles Police Department prior to joining the GPPD in January.
“He was a loving friend, a trusted colleague and an outstanding officer whose passion was providing service to the public,” the GPPD said.
Grand Prairie Police Chief Daniel Scesney said Officer Tsai was a valued member of the department.
“Our nation lost a hero last night,” Chief Scesney said in a statement to WFAA. “Officer Brandon 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,” he added.
The veteran officer will continue to serve others as an organ donor, KDFW reported.
The Grand Prairie Police Department is mourning the loss of one of our officers who died in the line of duty. It is with heavy hearts that we report Officer Brandon Paul Tsai passed away after being involved in a traffic collision Monday night.
We will #NeverForget. pic.twitter.com/ruBSjSEbuf
— Grand Prairie Police (@GrandPrairiePD) November 15, 2022
A fellow Grand Prairie officer is the first to lay flowers down at the memorial for Brandon Tsai.
Tsai died last night after losing control of his vehicle in a pursuit.#IAmUp #GrandPrairie pic.twitter.com/uBi5cGZUMu
— Chris Sadeghi (@chrissadeghi) November 15, 2022
“Our nation lost a hero last night.”
Grand Prairie Police Chief Daniel Scesney describing fallen officer Brandon Tsai who died in a crash while pursuing the car seen in the photo he’s holding.
The search is on for the driver of that vehicle. @wfaa pic.twitter.com/jeHVZKReac
— Teresa Woodard (@twoodard8) November 15, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the men and women of the @GrandPrairiePD during this heartbreaking time.
Officer Brandon Tsai lost his life in the line of duty, a sacrifice which will never be forgotten. pic.twitter.com/GJKHIwXKtz
— Lubbock Police Dept. (@LubbockPolice) November 15, 2022
Our thoughts and prayers are with the families of Grand Prairie Police Department Officer Brandon Paul Tsai, both blood and blue. Thank you for your service.
Rest easy, hero. We’ll hold the line from here.
