Man dies in crash during Tuscaloosa police chase

A police chase in Tuscaloosa ended tragically on Thursday (July 17) when 31-year-old Jaylen Reed died in a crash. The incident began around 7 p.m. when a Tuscaloosa police officer attempted to stop Reed for multiple traffic violations on Cousette Street near the Interstate 359 overpass. Reed, from Aliceville, Alabama, fled at a high speed, crossing several intersections before crashing into a ditch and culvert near Tamko Building Products, according to the Tuscaloosa County Violent Crimes Unit (TVCU).

Reed was found unresponsive and severely injured at the crash site. He was transported to DCH Regional Medical Center, where life-saving measures were unsuccessful. No other vehicles were involved in the incident. WBRC-6 reports that Reed had multiple active felony warrants at the time of the chase.

The entire pursuit lasted less than 30 seconds from when the police activated their lights until the crash occurred. According to Captain Jack Kennedy of the TVCU, the investigation is being handled by investigators not affiliated with the Tuscaloosa Police Department, including Northport police and sheriff's deputies. Multiple witnesses and video evidence have been collected to aid in the investigation.