Man Sentenced To 12 Years In Prison In Relation To The Death Of A Grand Prairie Police Officer

23-year-old Colbie Hoffman has pleaded guilty to his part in the death of Grand Prairie Police Officer Brandon Tsai in November 2022.

Hoffman could have been given 20 years in prison for Evading Arrest or Detention Resulting in Death. However, he was given a 12-year sentence with an affirmative finding of a deadly weapon. He also received a 10-year sentence for Tampering with Physical Evidence. He will serve the sentences concurrently.

On November 14, 2022, Officer Tsai was patrolling the streets as he saw a car with a fake temporary paper license plate. He attempted to pull the car over, but the driver wouldn’t stop. Officer Tsai and six other officers pursued the Chevrolet Malibu at high speeds, on highways, and residential areas, for about six minutes. During that time, Officer Tsai wrecked his vehicle and died from his injuries. The Malibu continued to drive away from the area.

Two days later, officers found the Malibu involved in the incident and discovered that Hoffman was the driver who evaded them. He eventually turned himself in to the Dallas Police Department and confessed that he was the driver who was in the pursuit with Officer Tsai. He also confessed that he took off and got rid of the fake temporary paper license plate.

Many Grand Prairie police officers were in the courtroom during the plea hearing. Although Officer Tsai’s family doesn’t live in the area, they were able to view the hearing through the court’s live stream. They stated their gratefulness to GPPD and the DA’s office for pursuing justice in the case.