Lawrenceville, Georgia – A tragic event unfolded on Jan. 28 in Atlanta, Georgia, where Georgia State Patrol trooper Jimmy Cenescar lost his life during a high-speed police chase. Several months later, a 21-year-old man has been indicted in connection with the crash that led to Cenescar’s untimely death, according to Gwinnett County District Attorney Patsy Austin-Gatson’s office.
Gerson Danilo Ayala-Rodriguez faces charges of felony murder, first-degree vehicular homicide, tampering with evidence, fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, reckless driving, speeding, driving without a license, operating a vehicle without insurance, and operating an unregistered vehicle. The grand jury indicted Ayala-Rodriguez following the incident that claimed Trooper Cenescar’s life.
On that fateful day, Cenescar, 28, was trying to pull over a motorcycle for a traffic violation when his patrol car veered off the road, striking an embankment along Interstate 85 north near Old Peachtree Road. Despite efforts by emergency medical personnel at Northside Gwinnett Hospital, Cenescar succumbed to his injuries.
Ayala-Rodriguez, who was arrested in Norcross in early February, allegedly continued to evade Cenescar’s attempts to stop him, reaching speeds of up to 140 mph and dangerously weaving through traffic lanes. The district attorney’s office revealed that Cenescar had to take evasive action to avoid civilian vehicles, leading to the fatal crash.
Following the collision, Ayala-Rodriguez purportedly destroyed the motorcycle’s license plate and is currently being held without bond in Gwinnett County Jail as he awaits trial. District Attorney Austin-Gatson expressed intent to fully prosecute the case, emphasizing the gravity of the situation and seeking justice for Trooper Cenescar.
The funeral for Cenescar took place in February, as the community and law enforcement colleagues mourned the loss of a dedicated officer. The indictment of Ayala-Rodriguez sheds light on the aftermath of a tragic event that not only took a life but also raised questions about safety on the roads and the consequences of reckless behavior behind the wheel.
As the legal proceedings progress, the memory of Trooper Cenescar lives on, serving as a reminder of the risks law enforcement officers face daily in the line of duty. The indictment marks a step towards accountability for the actions that led to Cenescar’s death and seeks to bring closure to a community in mourning.