Grand Prairie man sentenced to 12 years in prison for the death of Grand Prairie police officer Brandon Tsai

By: Malcom Chakery

A Grand Prairie man, Colbie Hoffman, has been sentenced to 12 years in prison for his involvement in the death of Grand Prairie police officer Brandon Tsai in November 2022. Hoffman pleaded guilty to his actions which resulted in the officer's death.

Hoffman received a 12-year sentence with an affirmative finding of a deadly weapon, as well as a 10-year sentence for tampering with physical evidence, which will be served concurrently. This was announced by the Dallas County's District Attorney's Office.

On November 14, 2022, officer Tsai spotted a silver Chevrolet Malibu with a fake paper tag near the intersection of SW 3rd Street and Pioneer Parkway. Tsai attempted to perform a traffic stop, but the suspect fled. During the ensuing pursuit, Tsai lost control of his squad car and crashed into another vehicle before hitting a light pole. Tsai was taken to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

After the crash, the Malibu fled the area. Grand Prairie police worked tirelessly for the next two days to locate the car, and eventually identified Hoffman as the suspect. Hoffman turned himself in and admitted to being the driver of the Malibu and to removing and destroying the fake paper tag.

At the time of his arrest, Hoffman was also booked on eight additional warrants out of Waxahachie, Bedford, Desoto and Grand Prairie that were outstanding prior to the deadly police chase.

GPPD acknowledged the efforts of everyone involved in capturing Hoffman, which included every bureau of the department, Dallas police, the Dallas Fusion Center, and the FBI.