Fort Worth, Texas – A man was sentenced to life imprisonment for intentionally ramming into a Fort Worth police officer during a chase in 2020.
Officer Matthew Brazeal faced grave injuries when Ronnie Jackson deliberately struck him in June 2020. The incident occurred while Officer Brazeal was attempting to deploy stop sticks, also known as spike strips, to halt a vehicle pursuit. These devices are designed to puncture and deflate car tires, thereby bringing high-speed chases to an end.
As the chase neared, Officer Brazeal, standing outside his patrol car, attempted to place the stop sticks on the roadway. It was at this critical moment that Jackson hit him, dragging his body for more than 100 feet.
Officer Brazeal’s Road to Recovery
The collision left Officer Brazeal severely injured, necessitating several weeks of hospitalization. His journey to recovery has been long and challenging. Nearly four years after the tragic event, he has only recently returned to light duty.
A veteran of the United States Army, Officer Brazeal had been serving the Fort Worth Police Department for three years at the time of the incident. His prior experience includes roles in law enforcement in Parker County and Weatherford.
The Sentencing of Ronnie Jackson
Ronnie Jackson, found guilty of the collision that caused significant harm to Officer Brazeal, has been sentenced to life in prison. This verdict underscores the severity of the crime and the justice system’s commitment to protecting law enforcement officers.
The case highlights the risks police officers face in the line of duty and the long-term impact such incidents can have on their lives. Officer Brazeal’s courage and resilience in the face of adversity are commendable, as he continues his recovery and service despite the life-altering injuries he sustained.
