GWINNETT COUNTY, Ga. – A man accused of causing the death of a Georgia State Patrol trooper in a traffic stop crash appeared in court and was denied bond. Gerson Rodriguez is facing several charges, including felony murder, after the death of Trooper Jimmy Cenescar.
Cenescar tragically died on Jan. 28 while trying to stop a motorcycle for a traffic violation on Interstate 85. His patrol vehicle veered off the road and struck an embankment, leading to his death after life-saving efforts at Northside Gwinnett Hospital.
Rodriguez, the suspect identified by authorities, was arrested on Feb. 2 in Norcross and is being held at the Gwinnett County Jail. He also faces charges of first-degree homicide and felony fleeing and attempting to elude.
Trooper Cenescar, who had been a trooper since January 2023, previously served as an officer with the Atlanta Police Department and was recognized for saving a man who had driven his car off a bridge in 2021.
His funeral arrangements include a visitation at Crowell Brothers Funeral Home and a funeral service at Mount Paran Church, with burial to follow at Mount Harmony Memorial Gardens.
The denial of bond for Rodriguez means that he will remain in custody as the legal process continues for the tragic incident involving the loss of the dedicated trooper. The impact of Cenescar’s service and sacrifice will continue to be remembered by his colleagues, family, and the community.