Authorities: Suspect Took Own Life During Tuscaloosa Police Pursuit

TUSCALOOSA, AL — A Tuscaloosa man died late Monday night following a high-speed police pursuit that spanned multiple jurisdictions and ended in a crash along U.S. Highway 11.

Click here to subscribe to our free daily newsletter and breaking news alerts.

Captain Jack Kennedy, commander of the Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit, said the incident began around 11:40 p.m. Monday, when officers attempted to conduct a traffic stop on a vehicle for a violation.

As officers made contact with the driver, they detected the odor of illegal drugs and ordered him to exit the vehicle.

The driver, identified as 20-year-old Elyis Kani Taylor, refused to comply and instead fled the scene at a high rate of speed, prompting a pursuit.

Kennedy said the chase moved through Tuscaloosa and onto Interstate 20 southbound into Greene County before the vehicle exited onto U.S. Highway 11 and began traveling north back toward Tuscaloosa County.

He also said speeds during the pursuit exceeded 100 miles per hour.

Deputies with the Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office and Alabama State Troopers assisted Tuscaloosa police during the pursuit. As the vehicle approached Fosters Ball Park on U.S. Highway 11, sheriff’s deputies successfully deployed spike strips, damaging the vehicle’s tires.

Kennedy went on to say that despite the damage, the vehicle continued for several miles before leaving the roadway and crashing into a wooded area.

Officers approaching the vehicle found Taylor severely injured inside. Law enforcement personnel, including sheriff’s deputy paramedics, used extrication tools to remove him from the vehicle and provided emergency medical care.

Taylor was transported to a local hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Because the incident resulted in a death during a Tuscaloosa Police Department operation, the Violent Crimes Unit was called in to conduct an independent investigation. Officials said the case is being handled by investigators and supervisors not affiliated with TPD.

The Northport Police Department’s Accident Reconstruction Unit is also assisting.

Authorities said the entire incident, including the traffic stop, pursuit, crash and subsequent aid, was captured on multiple dash and body cameras.

Preliminary findings from the investigation indicate Taylor suffered a gunshot wound to the head.

Kennedy said a loaded firearm was recovered from inside the vehicle. Investigators also located a family member who reported receiving a phone call from Taylor during the pursuit.

Kennedy explained that Taylor told the relative he was fleeing from officers, had recently been released from jail and did not intend to return, stating he was going to take his own life.

He then said the family member reported hearing what sounded like a gunshot during the call.

Kennedy emphasized that at no point during the incident did officers discharge their weapons or point a firearm at the suspect.

Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.