(Atlanta, GA) On Sunday, January 28, 2024, the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS) tragically lost Georgia State Trooper Jimmy Cenescar when he crashed while attempting to arrest a fleeing motorcycle on I-85 North near Old Peachtree Road. 
 
Since the event, DPS, along with our law enforcement partners, has worked tirelessly to investigate the events that led to the fatal crash. DPS is proud to announce that an arrest has been made in relation to Trooper Cenescar’s death. 
 
Earlier today, Gerson Ayala Rodriguez was arrested in Norcross and taken into custody by the Georgia State Patrol and Gwinnett County Police Department. Rodriguez will be charged with:

  • Felony murder
  • First degree homicide
  • Felony fleeing and attempting to elude
  • Reckless driving
  • Other traffic-related charges

 
The Department of Public Safety wants to thank all its law enforcement partners who helped make this arrest possible. 
 
Also, the Department asks everyone to keep Trooper Cenescar’s family in their thoughts as they continue to navigate this difficult time.