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Written by: E. George
Published February 10, 2024 @ 8:35 PM ET
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – The Georgia Department of Public Safety announced that on Sunday, January 28, 2024, they lost one of their own, State Trooper Jimmy Cenescar #436, in the line of duty. Authorities arrested a man and charged him with Cenescar’s murder, and a judge denied his bond on Sunday, February 4, 2024.
Trooper Cenescar began pursuing a motorcyclist who had committed a traffic violation on Interstate 85 near Old Peachtree Road in Atlanta and followed him as he weaved dangerously through traffic. Cenescark lost control of his vehicle when he swerved to avoid striking other vehicles while attempting to stop the fleeing motorcyclist.
Cenescar’s vehicle left the roadway and traveled down an embankment, where it struck trees and drainage rocks. EMS arrived, attempted life-saving measures, and rushed him to Northside Gwinnett Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
After a tireless investigation, the Georgia State Patrol and the Gwinnett County Police Department arrested Gerson Ayala Rodriguez in Norcross on Friday, February 2. He faces first-degree homicide, felony murder, felony fleeing and attempting to elude, reckless driving, and other traffic-related charges.
The Georgia Department of Public Safety expressed gratitude to “all [their] law enforcement partners who helped make this arrest possible.” In a press release, they sent their “sincerest condolences and prayers to Trooper Jimmy Cenescar’s family and co-workers.”
They requested, “Please keep Trooper Cenescar’s family in your prayers as they cope with the loss of their loved one.”
Cenescar began working with the public safety department in January 2023 and graduated from the 114th Trooper School in September.
Cenescar saved a man’s life in October 2021 when he witnessed a man drive off a bridge in Atlanta and fall approximately 50 feet onto a train track below. The trooper barreled his vehicle through a locked gate to reach the injured man and began administering first aid.
Governor Brian Kemp stated in a social media post that Rodriguez’s arrest was “a step toward justice for one of Georgia’s fallen heroes.”
This case is pending in court.
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