From The Tribune staff reports
CENTER POINT — The Jefferson County Coroner’s Office has identified the man who died in a Center Point traffic accident after fleeing a Trussville traffic stop.
Rodney Drake Key, 30, of Center Point was killed when the Suzuki motorcycle he was driving crashed into an SUV around 11:25 a.m. on Tuesday, September 21, 2021.
“The decedent was the lone driver occupant of a 2005 Suzuki GSXR600 motorcycle traveling North on Center Point Parkway,” Jefferson County Deputy Coroner Phillip Russell stated. “… The Trussville Police ended the pursuit due to extreme high speed of the motorcycle. According to the Alabama State Troopers at some point later the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office observed the motorcycle traveling at a high rate of speed North bound on Center Point Parkway.
Jefferson County deputies also stopped their pursuit due to the driver’s high rate of speed and potential injury to the public.
“… at approximately 1125 hours the motorcycle(decedent) crashed into a Infinity QX 80 at the intersection of Center Point Parkway and 23rd Avenue,” Russell stated. “The Alabama State Troopers is investigating the cause and circumstances surrounding the motor vehicle accident.”
Authorities reported that they recovered a firearm from the scene and what they believe to be a quantity of narcotics as well.