A Grand Prairie police officer died Monday night in a crash while pursuing a suspect who allegedly had a fake paper license plate.
The Grand Prairie Police Department explained that around 10:40 p.m. Officer Brandon Tsai, 32, spotted a vehicle with a fake paper license plate at the intersection of SW 3rd and Pioneer Parkway.
Tsai attempted to pull over the driver, who, police allege, immediately fled the scene. The officer pursued the suspect but ultimately lost control of his vehicle and crashed into a light pole.
Afterward, he was taken to Methodist Dallas Medical Center, where he succumbed to his injuries.
Grand Prairie Chief of Police Daniel Scesney said the crash happened because the suspect’s vehicle, a Chevrolet Malibu, suddenly turned while being pursued by Tsai and an additional backup vehicle. The backup officer, who had moved between Tsai and the Malibu and had slowed down to make the turn, but was hit by Tsai, causing him to lose control of his vehicle.
“He was a loving friend, a trusted colleague and an outstanding officer whose passion was providing service to the public,” the Grand Prairie Police Department said in a statement Tuesday.
Tsai had been with the Grand Prairie Police Department since January 2022. Before that, he was with the Los Angeles Police Department for five years.
“Our nation lost a hero last night,” Scesney said in a statement to the media. “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.”
Funeral arrangements for Tsai have been made, and a candlelight vigil will be held at the Public Safety Building on Arkansas Lane at 6 p.m. on Friday.
Police said they are looking for the driver of the Chevrolet Malibu but don’t have much to go on other than the make and model of the car. The fake paper tag had been recorded as belonging to hundreds of different vehicles in Dallas-Fort Worth.
Scesney said the driver could be charged with a felony for evading arrest.
“I can submit to you that our experience dictates these tags aren’t put on cars just because there is nothing wrong,” Scesney suggested. “I suspect, can’t back that up just yet, but there’s more to this and I can tell you that every detective that works in this department is looking into it.”
This is at least the second recent incident in Texas where an officer was hurt or killed pursuing a driver with a fake tag. On Monday evening, the driver of a stolen car with a fake tag struck two police cars while making his escape near Austin. Police are still searching for the driver.
Crime Stoppers is offering a $10,000 reward for information that leads to the arrest and eventual indictment of the driver involved in the incident. Tipsters can call 972-988-TIPS or share their tips online at gpcrimestoppers.org.
