Slain GSP Trooper Honored In Paulding High Ceremony

DALLAS, GA — Authorities warned of a large police presence at Paulding High School Monday morning due to a dedication ceremony honoring slain Georgia trooper Jimmy Cenescar, who died in a crash while chasing a motorcyclist.

The Paulding County Sheriff's Office said deputies will join the Georgia State Patrol and other law-enforcement agencies at the 10:30 a.m. ceremony at Paulding High, 1297 Villa Rica Highway.

Cenescar, who was killed on Jan. 28, 2024, was a graduate of Paulding, both Dallas Police and Paulding authorities said.

His GSP uniform now rests in the Paulding High main atrium, Principal Andy Dorsey said in a Facebook post.

"At just 28 years old, Jimmy made the ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty, and we are committed to ensuring his memory lives on within our school and community," Dorsey said. " ... This dedication serves as a lasting reminder of his commitment to protecting and serving others."

Dorsey urged families to "not be alarmed" if they see the large police presence.

Gerson Danilo Ayala-Rodriguez, the 21-year-old man accused in the fatal crash that killed Cenescar on Interstate 85 south near Old Peachtree Road, was indicted on murder charges in April 2024.

Cenescar was attempting to pull over a motorcycle for a traffic violation when his vehicle left the road and hit an embankment, authorities previously said.

Ayala-Rodriguez was accused of speedily driving a Honda motorcycle; and when Cenescar activated his blue lights, the Gwinnett County District Attorney's Office previously said Ayala-Rodriguez continued to weave in and out of traffic.

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Ayala-Rodriguez fled from Cenescar, eventually reaching 140 mph and splitting lanes to pass vehicles, the district attorney's office said.

"Cenescar had to take evasive action to avoid hitting civilian vehicles and lost control of his patrol car," read the district attorney's office's past news release.

His patrol vehicle hit trees, shrubbery, a street sign and a retaining wall, the district attorney's office said.

Emergency medical personnel tried to save Cenescar's life, but he later died at Northside Gwinnett Hospital, authorities previously said.