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Elyis Kani Taylor

Age : 20

Gender : Male

Race : Black

Date : 05/04/2026

Location : Interstate 20 and U.S. Highway 11

City : Tuscaloosa

County : Tuscaloosa

State : Alabama

Agency : Tuscaloosa Police Department; Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office

Officer(s) :Not Disclosed

Cause of Death : Suicide

Event : Suicide under police duress following police chase

OPEN RECORDS SUMMARY :

On 05/04/2026, Tuscaloosa police attempted a traffic stop after officers said they smelled what they believed to be illegal drugs coming from a vehicle driven by Elyis Kani Taylor, 20. Taylor did not stop. Police chased the vehicle through Tuscaloosa, onto Interstate 20 into Greene County, and back north on U.S. Highway 11 at speeds exceeding 100 mph. Tuscaloosa County sheriff’s deputies deployed spike strips near Fosters Ball Park, but the vehicle continued for several more miles before leaving the roadway and crashing into a wooded area. Officers pulled Taylor from the vehicle and transported him to a hospital, where he died. Investigators said evidence and an initial medical examination indicated Taylor suffered a self-inflicted gunshot wound during the pursuit. Police recovered a loaded gun from the vehicle. A family member told investigators Taylor called during the chase. Authorities said the incident was recorded on dash and body cameras. The Tuscaloosa Violent Crimes Unit and Northport Police Department Accident Reconstruction Unit are investigating.

SOURCE LINKS :

https://www.wvtm13.com/article/alabama-driver-dies-tuscaloosa-interestate-police-chase/71215129